FG must adhere to pro-life commitment

Abortion has been widely debated in Ireland for at least three decades and the subject of three referenda.

The people have clearly said no to abortion being legalised here on each occasion.

Prior to the 2011 election Fine Gael delivered to the Pro Life Campaign a pledge which began: “Fine Gael is opposed to the legalisation of abortion”.

It spoke of establishing an All Party Oireachtas Committee to examine the ECHR ruling and that its party representatives would bring to this committee a strong pro life stance. It was a “contract with the people” and for many voters it was a factor in their support of the party’s candidates.

There are signs that the pre-election pledge has not been embraced by the party now that it is in Government. An Expert Group accountable to the minister, and not an All Party Oireachtas Committee, is examining the ECHR ruling.

Minister Reilly has made comments creating the expectation that legalised abortion is at least a likely option. Fine Gael’s Coalition partners, Labour, support abortion.

Dissenting voices from Labour representatives, even those from strongly pro life constituencies, have been few and far between against the prospect of taking the life of the unborn.

The Government is promoting the children’s right referendum.

Depending on the stance it takes on abortion some children may not be allowed to live to birth to enjoy the rights which the Government claims are inherent in the Referendum.

Maurice O’Brien

Blackrock

Cork