‘Reputational damage done to the country’

Michael McNamara, Labour, Clare: “I do hope that Fine Gael support this [X case legislation] as it is in the Programme for Government.

If the Programme for Government can’t be implemented then that calls the Government into question. But I expect it can be sorted out.”

Emmett Stagg, Labour,Kildare North: “I fully support X case legislation, in fact I would like it to go further and take into consideration the health of the woman... not just the threat to life. But I know that Fine Gael would not support that. I expect they will support the Programme for Government commitment. I do not think they will bring down the Government on this issue.”

Ciarán Lynch, Labour, Cork South Central: “I want Dr Reilly to present the report to Cabinet so that decisions can be taken and we can move towards legislation if that is what is required.”

Colm Keaveney, Labour, Galway East: “We need to fulfil our Programme for Government commitments in full, and I would expect Fine Gael to back this.”

Regina Doherty, Fine Gael, Meath East: “This discussion is not on whether we are going to have abortion on demand in this country. The discussion is that we have failed... for 20 years [to legislate] what medical practices should be available when the life of the woman is at risk. It is not abortion — this is medical intervention to save a woman’s life.”

Tom Barry, Fine Gael, Cork East: “I am not in favour of abortion on demand. I will approach this with an open mind, but before I change my stance I would need to know all the facts relating to this tragic death.

“This has been used as a vehicle to promote one side of the argument.”

Brian Hayes, Fine Gael, Dublin South West: “I don’t think that now is the time to look at the question of a free vote in the Dáil... the last thing we need to do with a terrible tragedy like this is to rush in with some response here. There is a clear determination by the minister for health to actually introduce action on foot of the recommendations and then it will be a matter within the parliament to decide how we resolve that issue. I accept there has been some reputational damage done to the country on this case, but we should never forget that this is one of the safest countries in the world for expectant mothers.”

James Bannon, Fine Gael, Longford Westmeath: “It is most important that nobody uses this tragedy to score political points. No matter what side of the abortion issue you are on it is essential to wait for the investigations into Savita’s death to be completed.”

Shaun Connolly

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