Abortion debate - Resolution still a very long way off

The shot across the bows from Catholic Primate of All-Ireland Cardinal Seán Brady, asserting that the Government is not obliged to legislate for any form of abortion because of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights on the so-called ABC case, was as predictable as it is divisive.

It sets up — one more time — a direct confrontation between Catholicism and an elected government which, through Health Minister James Reilly, has promised that this administration, unlike its six predecessors, will not avoid dealing with the volatile issue. Dr Reilly will face opposition from within his own party but will take comfort in the unambiguous support offered yesterday afternoon by cabinet colleague Pat Rabbitte who, on RTÉ, expressed regret that Cardinal Brady was involving himself and his church in politics.

Mr Rabbitte was not the only Labour politician to challenge the cardinal. Clare TD Michael McNamara, making the unavoidable link, said the cardinal lacked the “moral or legal authority” to comment as he did because of his own role and his Church’s role in protecting paedophile clerics. It seems unavoidable that those who wish to see the matter dealt with will not resist the temptation to use Catholicism’s appalling record on child sexual abuse as a way to try to silence opposition to the need for clarification provoked by the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights.