Dana was right on referendum wording
There was a song-and-dance at the time from many within the pro-life movement - including journalists, bishops and political activists- who refused to believe her when she stated the abortion referendum wording of life beginning at “implantation” was nothing other than to facilitate human embryo research.
It was also reported that Cardinals Daly and Connell sent her messages to get in step. It has subsequently emerged that it was they and the bishops who were out of step - although they have never had the decency publicly to admit it.
Dana refused to bow to political bullying and manipulation and had the integrity to reject the EU agenda.
Words and actions speak for themselves. We now have the evidence of recommendation of human embryo research from the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction and the truth of what the Government sought to deliver. The bishops and cardinals are now deafening in their silence.
It is most significant that Mary Harney could well have the responsibility of bringing the commission’s recommendations to fruition within her department - the same Mary Harney who implemented the Government’s policy of supporting EU funding of destructive embryo research.
That is what the 2002 referendum was all about. I am sure, though, that Dana is too much of a lady to say ‘I told you so.’ Let me say it for her - “Dana told you so.”
John Brown
Windmill Cottage
Clonmany
Co Donegal
