Several referenda — one divided nation

ABORTION has been a divisive matter in Irish society and will continue to be a burning issue.

Several referendums, court cases and legal rulings have thrown the issue repeatedly into the spotlight.

This week’s European ruling that Ireland violated the right of a woman with cancer who had to travel to Britain for an abortion, will place it firmly back on the agenda not only for groups for and against the procedure but also for the political parties.