Pope’s comments expose Coalition rift

The Pope’s intervention in the abortion debate has again exposed fault lines between Labour and Fine Gael.

In remarks seen as a comment on Ireland, Pope Benedict told an audience of diplomats in Rome that he was “dismayed” by moves to legislate on abortion.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore insisted Irish women needed legal clarity on the issue and “more than understanding and mercy” as he clashed with the pontiff.

The Labour leader made his remarks at a joint press conference on Ireland’s presidency of the EU with European Affairs Minister Lucinda Creighton, who gave a different interpretation of the Pope’s remarks.

“I am not clear that the Pope was suggesting for any second that women are not entitled to legal clarity. I believe that is abundantly clear. I think the position of the Irish Government is clear on that matter also and I hope that legal certainty will be enshrined in legislation in the near future,” she said.

Mr Gilmore said he disagreed with the Pope’s stance. “I think what the Pope was expressing was the long established and well known view of his church. With respect, I disagree with it. I think that women in Ireland are entitled to more than understanding and mercy — as he put it.

“I think they are entitled to legal clarity about their situation where their life is at risk.”

He said the process of legislating and introducing appropriate regulations has started.