Law on abortion ‘is a key issue’ for voters

A female Fianna Fáil candidate says liberalising Ireland’s abortion laws is an issue for voters, and the party needs to support the case for terminations in cases of rape and fatal foetal abnormalities.

Sat, 13 Feb, 2016 - 00:00

Juno McEnroe

Dublin Fingal candidate Lorraine Clifford Lee said women on the doorsteps were bringing the issue up with female candidates but she was not sure if male candidates were “getting it”.

The solicitor has raised with party leader Micheál Martin her concerns about the need to repeal the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution, which protects the life of the unborn.

Speaking at a party event in Dublin, Ms Clifford Lee’s views were in stark contrast to those of other election candidates present, who stressed they were “pro-life” and against repealing the Eighth Amendment.

Longford-Westmeath TD Robert Troy said the issue was not something the party would pursue in relation to any programme for government. “If it is something that does come up, it is something the party has given a freedom to vote according to your conscience, a free vote,” said Mr Troy.

However, Ms Clifford Lee said action was needed on the issue.

“I’ve stated before that I am in favour of repealing the Eighth and replacing it with some legislation to allow for [terminations for] fatal foetal abnormalities, rape, and incest,” she said. “I understand my party colleagues’ position. It’s something I have brought up with them individually and brought up with the party leader. If I’m elected, it’s something I will continue to pursue within the parliamentary party.

“It’s an issue that is coming up on the doorsteps. I feel women are making it a live issue and they are discussing it with other female candidates. Perhaps my male colleagues don’t get it as much as I do but I’m certainly hearing it on the doorsteps and it is something I want to pursue if I’m elected to the Dáil — within the parliamentary party structure though.”

Fianna Fáil has faced accusations of sitting on the fence on the law restricting abortion. Others go further, claiming the party is out of touch with modern voters.

Meanwhile, Mr Troy outlined Fianna Fáil’s proposals to boost childcare facilities and reduce related costs for parents. The party said it would introduce a tax credit to save families up to €2,000 a year. The credit would apply to the income of one parent, working at least 25 hours a week. The party would also extend maternity leave from 26 to 30 weeks.