X case legislation - Abortion is a political hot potato

In the interview published in today’s Irish Examiner, it is hardly surprising that Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin says he “remains to be convinced” that the Oireachtas should legislate for the X case.

The Supreme Court’s 1992 ruling on the infamous case indicated a distinct need for clarity in relation to the circumstances in which a woman has a right to have an abortion.

If Mr Martin said he was convinced that such legislation is necessary, people should ask what he did about the issue while in government from 1997 to 2011. Of course, there are grounds for suggesting that the thorny issue should be tackled.