Fine Gael has betrayed the trust of electorate

Fine Gael’s refusal to honour its pre-election commitment not to introduce abortion legislation is a betrayal of the trust of the Irish electorate, and a sad day for mothers, fathers and babies.

For the first time in the history of the State, an Irish Government has put forward legislation which will permit the direct and intentional taking of an innocent human life.

This is very disturbing. The recent report on the Oireachtas hearings on abortion shows that abortion is not an appropriate treatment for suicidal ideation. Yet, despite this, and Fine Gael’s 2011 promise not to legalise abortion, the party has given in to Labour demands instead of the needs of women and babies.