Avoiding hard issues - Ireland can’t dodge the big issues forever

ONE of the less charming characteristics of the Irish is our innate ability to say one thing and do another with a straight face. This trait was recognised by that most domineering but pliable of politicians Charles Haughey when, in relation to the Health (Family Planning) Act all of 30 years ago, he used the phrase “an Irish solution to an Irish problem”.

It is a principle – or the casual dismissal of awkward principles – that we resort to on an almost daily basis. We can believe whatever is appropriate to the needs of the moment. There is hardly a position we cannot change or adapt to. There is hardly an occasion or event we cannot turn a blind eye to if doing so suits us. Just ask anyone paying interest rates of 180% or more to “licensed moneylenders”.

For many, many years we have adopted that position on that most divisive of issues: abortion. Large sections of our society are vehemently, viscerally and absolutely opposed to the legalisation of abortion on any grounds yet abortion is a reality of everyday Irish life. At least it is for the 4,600 women who gave an Irish address when they attended abortion clinics in Britain last year. Many more Irish women went to continental Europe for the same reason yet we wash our hands of the problem.