Irish gay marriage vote 'a message to the world'

Ireland's support for gay marriage is a message to the world, UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon said.

Ban, who was in Ireland to mark the country's 60-year membership of the UN and tradition of international peacekeeping, said: "This is a truly historic moment: Ireland has become the first country in the world to approve marriage equality in a nationwide referendum.

"The result sends an important message to the world: All people are entitled to enjoy their human rights no matter who they are or whom they love."

It comes after Ireland voted Yes to gay marriage in a landmark national referendum. The country became the first in the world to bring the change in by popular vote, with 62 per cent of the electorate backing it.

New laws are expected to be passed by the Dail parliament before the summer recess, with couples obliged to give the standard three month notification of a wedding day.

The UN chief made his remarks as he was honoured with the Tipperary International Peace Award.

Previous recipients include Nelson Mandela, Sir Bob Geldof, former Irish president Mary McAleese and in 2013 the Pakistani schoolgirl and activist Malala Yousafzai.