Abortion debate - Honest, fair presentation

THERE are few issues as divisive in modern Ireland as abortion.

So much so that it has become almost unmentionable, especially in political circles.

It is the great, slumbering fault line dividing this society. Many Irish people wish they could continue to ignore it, accepting our pragmatic if hypocritical status quo. It is a litmus-test issue we don’t want to have to talk about because no matter what position is taken, no matter what conclusion is reached, deeply held convictions will be challenged. Individuals on either side of the debate will be outraged, hurt and angry.