Martin wants to ‘nail the lie’ on abortion threat

FOREIGN Minister Micheál Martin said he wants to “nail the lie” that a yes vote for Lisbon would lead to a reform of Ireland’s abortion laws.

Mr Martin accused elements within the no campaign of deliberately “generating fear” over the issue.

Mr Martin said the Republic’s control of limits on terminations was enshrined in the 1992 Maastricht Treaty and would not be affected by Lisbon.

He also accused the no campaign of “scare mongering” by claiming Lisbon would see prostitution, euthanasia and drugs legalised.

The minister admitted the abortion argument was affecting some voters.

“Back in 1992 Ireland negotiated a protocol on abortion in the Maastricht Treaty which gives explicit protection to the right of the Irish people to decide our national laws on the right to life.

“Since then, the EU institutions have fully respected Ireland’s position and have never challenged the applicability of the protocol.

“After 16 years the union has proven that it is not in any way seeking to take control of this area.

“Lisbon continues to provide Ireland with absolute control with regard to the protection of the unborn.

“Member states’ policies with regard to abortion are clearly acknowledged as not being within the control of the EU.

“Nothing within the Charter of Fundamental Rights, or in the powers of the European Court of Justice, can affect Ireland’s position on abortion,” he said.

Mr Martin also moved to allay fears from the farming sector that the EU will be “bounced” into agreeing a World Trade Organisation deal.

The minister indicated he thought it was highly unlikely that any breakthrough would occur at the WTO negotiations before a new US president was settled into the job next year.

Mr Martin also praised European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso for his contributions to the Irish referendum campaign, which he claimed had been hands-off.

Mr Barroso provoked controversy this week for stating that Ireland, and the rest of the EU, would “pay a price” if the Republic rejected the treaty in the June poll.