Leaders in democratic countries should be beholden to their constitution and law “without fear of favour” because “your God, your personal faith will sustain you”, the Taoiseach told graduates at Boston College, in a pointed reference to criticism of him in the us over proposed abortion legislation.

There has been broad support for the Taoiseach in Boston’s Irish community, despite a planned protest against proposed abortion laws when he delivers the commencement speech at the Boston College graduation ceremony today.