David Norris: Pro-life is the last sting of a dying wasp

Pro-life groups opposing the repeal of the Eighth Amendment represent “the last sting of a dying wasp” and will be defeated in the same way they lost the contraception, divorce, and marriage equality wars, pro-choice politicians have said.

Pro-choice senators made the claim during an at-times divisive Seanad debate on the referendum bill last night in what is likely to be the final Oireachtas stage before the referendum polling day is formally announced.

Speaking during a four-hour debate which also heard Health Minister Simon Harris confirm that he will announce the widely tipped Friday May 25 polling day this week if the referendum bill is passed, pro-choice senators insisted the time is now to change the law.