Archbishop calls for 'mature' debate on abortion issue

The Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, has called for a "mature, respectful" debate on abortion and said the Government should not tell anyone that they are not allowed to speak.

The Archbishop was responding to comments made by Labour Minister Pat Rabbitte who said he did not want the Church hierarchy dictating to legislators.

Archbishop Martin said TDs who vote against the Government's new bill should not be punished by their parties for doing so.

He also revealed that, like the Taoiseach Enda Kenny, he has received personal threats over his views on abortion.