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President Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin. Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
Abortion bill
In pics: President Michael D Higgins concludes meeting with the Council of State
The President has not yet made an announcement on whether he’ll sign the the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill into law or refer it to the Supreme Court.
7.00pm, 29 Jul 2013
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PRESIDENT MICHAEL D HIGGINS’ meeting with the Council of State has concluded this evening.
The President has not yet made an announcement on whether he’ll sign the the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill into law or refer it to the Supreme Court.
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He has until Wednesday of this week to make his decision.
Former taoiseach Albert Reynolds, former president Mary Robinson and former taoiseach John Bruton did not attend today’s meeting, which began at 2.30pm at Áras An Uachtaráin. All others who were scheduled to attend were present.
A statement from Áras An Uachtaráin this evening read:
The President has today convened a meeting of the Council of State in relation to the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013.
The Meeting concluded at 6.45pm.
Here is a look at today’s meeting in pictures:
President meets with Council of State
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Council of State members from the back row: Professor Gearoid O'Tuathaigh, The Hon Mrs Justice Catherine McGuinness, The Hon Mr Justice John Murray, The Hon Mr Justice Ronan Keane, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Mr Michael Farrell, Prof Deirdre Heehan, Mr Ruari Mc Kiernan, Former Taoiseah Brian Cowen, Professor Gerard Quinn and Ms Sally Mulready. Front row left to right: Former President Mary McAleese, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Paddy Burke, Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil Seán Barrett, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, President Michael D Higgins, Ms Susan Denham Chief Justice, The Hon Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, Ms Marie whelan Attorney General and former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave. Pic Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
President meets with Council of State
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Taoiseach Enda Kenny arriving at Aras an Uachtarain for the meeting with deputy general secretary, Loughlin Quinn. Pic Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
President meets with Council of State
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Pro-life campaigners pray outside a meeting of the Council of State. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire
President meets with Council of State
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Former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave. Pic Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
Former Fianna Fail Taoiseach Brian Cowen. Pic Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
President meets with Council of State
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Amy Richardson (8), Luke Richardson (7), Anthony Richardson (3) and Nadia (6) with anti-abortion protesters outside Aras an Uachtarain while the meeting of the Council of State took place. Pic: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
President meets with Council of State
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Anti-abortion protesters Michael Fowler and Joseph McNamara. Pic: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
President meets with Council of State
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Council of State members from the back row: Professor Gearoid O'Tuathaigh, The Hon Mrs Justice Catherine McGuinness, The Hon Mr Justice John Murray, The Hon Mr Justice Ronan Keane, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Mr Michael Farrell, Prof Deirdre Heehan, Mr Ruari Mc Kiernan, Former Taoiseah Brian Cowen, Professor Gerard Quinn and Ms Sally Mulready. Front row left to right: Former President Mary McAleese, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Paddy Burke, Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil Seán Barrett, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, President Michael D Higgins, Ms Susan Denham Chief Justice, The Hon Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, Ms Marie whelan Attorney General and former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave. Pic Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
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@Gigi Power: that’s a terrible idea. Here’s why. If you’re paying extra and after say, 10 years, you fall on hard times, & cant pay, your house will be repossessed. Mortgage interests should be lower than regular loan rates. Invest any extra money into a high return account, and when you have the amount saved to pay off the balance, you can do so. However, if you’re making more on interest, than you’re paying in interest, you’re better off not paying it off early, plus consider any tax benefits.
@Mickey Amoko: you have more chance of losing your ‘high interest’ investments than being unable to repay your home and have it repossessed. For a tiny €850 a month mortgage, good advice is to pay more if you have the ability to do so, and if you need to, you can always re-structure. Sifting through the nonsense statements on J.ie, as usual.
Having to revolut her partner 20e to buy stuff for builders seems pretty odd mid week . Would he not buy stuff unless she contributed or use joint account ?
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