Tánaiste’s about turn has only served to create more confusion

By early yesterday afternoon, the Tánaiste’s proposal for a two-thirds majority to protect in perpetuity changes he has influenced in the Government’s proposed abortion legislation lay tossed aside with the remains of lunch and the Strategic Communication Unit.

On abortion, there is some cynicism about politicians embarking on a journey. The realignment of principle with political interest has led to an outbreak of coincidence.

However, changing your mind is not necessarily a bad thing. It is a mark of leadership in many respects. Who among us can bear the weight of all our previous positions?