No campaign in disarray over debates

The no side of the Eighth Amendment referendum was plunged into disarray last night after a leading member of the campaign pulled out of a televised debate at the last minute.

Love Both key spokeswoman Cora Sherlock withdrew from RTÉ’s Prime Time debate yesterday afternoon, despite agreeing to take part in the debate against Health Minister Simon Harris last Thursday.

The no side last night put forward Maria Steen of the Iona Institute as a substitute after she put in a strong performance in last week’s Claire Byrne Live debate. However, RTÉ rejected this suggested replacement because she had taken part in the first televised discussion.