Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern asked the country's President to dissolve Parliament yesterday. A general election will be held on May 24th. It is expected to be a close race.

Last week a website was launched to raise awareness among the gay community of the forthcoming election. Gay marriage is set to be an issue in the elections for the 166-seat Dáil Éireann. Earlier this year an attempt by the opposition Labour party to bring forward legislation was blocked by the government. www.TheGayVote.ie details the voting record of TDs (MPs) on the Civil Unions Bill. The site will be updated as candidates and parties set out their views and policy positions with regards to gay rights.

Speaking of the formal launch of TheGayVote.ie last week, campaign coordinator David Cochrane said:

"With little differences between the political parties on taxation, health care and even stamp duty, TheGayVote wishes to highlight the differing views held by the parties when it comes to gay rights. Some parties want full gay marriage, some want civil unions, and some parties want nothing at all. Our campaign will seek to raise awareness of the website, which will highlight the differences between the parties on gay rights."