Irish Senator Katherine Zappone proposed on live TV, after her country overwhelmingly passed same-sex marriage into law.

The Republic of Ireland overwhelmingly voted to introduce same-sex marriage in a referendum last week, with 62.1% voting in favour and 37.9% voting against.

Senator Zappone, who is the only openly lesbian Senator in the country and a strong proponent of equality, took advantage of the moment in a poignant way.

Appearing on Irish broadcaster RTE after the country voted Yes to same-sex marriage, she popped the question to her partner, Ann Louise Gilligan.

Addressing the camera, she asked: “I want to ask you a question now that I’ve been dying to ask.

“Now that we have a Republic of equals, a Republic of freedom and a Repubic of love.

“Today, in this new Ireland, Ann Louise Gilligan, will you marry me?”

Ms Gilligan wasn’t on set at the time – but accepted the proposal.

Appearing again later, she said: “I said Yes twelve years ago in Canada and now we are bringing the Yes home. Yes, Yes, Yes!”

“Today we are free! Yes, Yes, Yes!”

The pair originally married in Canada in 2003 – but will have a second ceremony to mark their marriage becoming law in their home country.

The legislation is due to be drafted by the summer – and could be fast-tracked to lead to weddings sooner rather than later.