It seems this is no country for old women

THE past rose up to meet the present this past week. Albert Reynolds’ passing and the furore over the latest abortion story to convulse the country brought to mind how the actions of yesteryear still resonate in today’s world.

Reynolds’ unique contribution to the lasting peace that grew out of the process that he dedicated much of his premiership to was rightly acknowledged. He did the state some valuable service. The tributes that followed his demise also brought to mind another time, when Fianna Fáil leaders were automatically destined for the highest elected office in the land. That entitlement no longer applies.

The heartrending story of a young woman held hostage to a constitutional provision enacted from another Ireland was also to the fore. There is little doubt but that eighth amendment to the constitution, voted for in 1983, is still resonating down into today’s different world. Some would see this as a bulwark against, what they regard as, declining moral standards, with which they don’t agree. For many though, it is an anarchism that requires addressing.