Daniel McConnell: Chance to make society more caring has been spurned

Whether it was the dark hand of the establishment or the shoddy state of the bill which led to its demise, a major opportunity to make our society a little more compassionate and caring has been spurned and that is certainly a cause for regret

The bill had the backing of some high-profile people including Tom Curran, partner of the late Marie Fleming. Picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

This week, in a move largely ignored, the case for compassionate lawmaking in Ireland suffered a significant setback.

The Oireachtas Justice Committee delivered what can only be seen as a fatal blow to the cause of allowing people with terminal illnesses to die with dignity.