Fine Gael’s family values aided gain

ELLEN PURCELL (Irish Examiner letters, June 4) asked if family issues had a bearing on the outcome of the general election.

The answer is unquestionably ‘yes’.

In the run-up to the election, the Mothers At Home (MAH) organisation was contacted by many people seeking direction on how best to use their vote to ensure family values would be represented in the next government.

MAH, a movement working to promote and protect the natural family in Irish society, is committed to (a) the protection of born children from all forms of abuse; (b) defending unborn children and their mothers from the violence of abortion and all forms of foetal or embryonic research; and (c) the rights of mothers not to be forced out of the home into paid employment because of economic necessity.

The policies of all the parties on these issues were passed on to all who enquired.

Feedback indicates that Enda Kenny’s unambiguous anti-abortion position and Fine Gael’s better support for the full-time homemaker played a major part in the increased support for the party. Many people told MAH they voted Fine Gael for the first time in their lives.

It is our considered opinion that had Bertie Ahern taken a more pro-life, pro-mother-at-home stand, Fianna Fáil would have been returned with an overall majority. What an opportunity lost.

I am a one-time, now alienated, Fianna Fáiler.

Nora Bennis

Mothers At Home

16 Revington Park

North Circular Rd

Limerick