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LABOUR INTENDS TO have a process leading to the repeal of the Eighth Amendment underway by this summer if it’s re-elected to government.
The party today outlined its intention to hold a referendum on the controversial amendment, which enshrines the equal right to life of the mother and the unborn in the Constitution.
Labour minister Alex White said the party would have no problem with a process that builds consensus on the issue in order to achieve a referendum.
Fine Gael has proposed holding a citizens’ assembly within six months of re-election before deciding if any referendum takes place.
White did not set a deadline on a referendum but said it will be delivered in the “early part of the next government” if Labour is re-elected:
I think that if this govenrnet is returned to office, which I hope it will, then I would see that that process should be well underway by the summer.
He said Labour’s “overriding insistence would be that there be a referendum”.
The party is proposing to replace the effective ban on abortion in Ireland with legislation that would allow for terminations on the grounds of risk to life, risk to health, rape and fatal foetal abnormality.
Labour senator Ivana Bacik said the draft legislation the party has endorsed is “broadly in line” with the 1967 Abortion Act in the UK.
“It’s effectively the same law that currently meets the needs of the thousands of Irish women who travel to England every year,” she said.
So, while it’s clearly not abortion on request – absolutely not – but it’s the sort of legislation that we see replicated across Europe in a sort of compassionate fashion and it’s very similar to the 1967 Act.
She denied that the regime in the UK amounts to ‘abortion on demand’, insisting that legislation requires a test on the health of the woman, which has to be certified by two medical professionals.
White said the first step would be to build a consensus around removing the Eighth Amendment and said that Labour’s legislation would be “part of the debate as to what legislation should look like”.
He said that many people in Fine Gael were “deeply reluctant” to agree to the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill in 2013, legislation which he described as “very limited”.
“People have positions, very heartfelt positions, that change and the country has changed. I think, in fairness to the Taoiseach, he changed on other issues as well,” White said.
Labour’s junior minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said “hard questions” needed to be asked of Fianna Fáil, which has not adopted a position on the amendment, and its leader Micheál Martin.
Martin was health minister when the Fianna Fáil government held a referendum in 2002 on taking the clause that allows for abortion on the grounds of suicidal ideation out of Irish law.
“I think Fianna Fáil’s position on this is archaic, out of touch and that is very much the reason why we need to make sure they don’t return to government in any form,” he said.
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Just go away. Ye had your chance. Ye blew it. Now piss off.
1 in 3 women in the UK have a termination by the age of 45
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-82368/Third-women-abortion-age-45.html
The man who introduced the UK’s abortion act admits it has become a lazy form of birth control.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2344225/Abortion-used-contraceptive-says-Lord-Steel-father-1967-act-legalised-practice.html
How come the elites (who hate humanity), never terminate their babies?
“Women seeking an early abortion – nine weeks or less into the pregnancy – should be offered a medical or surgical termination. But both methods were only available in only a third of units, the study found.”
“But pro-life groups claim women are being ‘stampeded’ into unwanted abortions and are able to obtain them too easily.”
There is your proof,Johnny boy,as if it was needed .. It’s the “pro lifers” who want to go as close to or past the first trimester ..Thank’s for that piece of info :)
How come the “pro choicers” don’t want their own kids to grow up to become abortionists?
Would it have anything to do with crazy folk like your good self :)
Dailymail
“They plan to hold a referendum IF returned to Govt” So they won’t be holding one then right…?
When Batchick is rolled out you know Labour are scraping the barrel.
Desperate measures for desperate times.
I actually thought, for the first time in my life, that Bacik presented a reasonable proposal on this and she both accepted public opinion, and purposely tried to carve out legislation reflecting it.
bacik, another unelectable.
Luke, agree with you here but she is poison to reasoned debate given her history
Think of what Labour are up to here.
There are a certain number of people (opinion polls suggest 35%-40%) who want the current government returned.
Labour need to grab as many of these as possible.
There’s no point in using the economy as a point to differentiate them as people trust FG more. There’s no point suggesting spending on services and infrastructure as that will just get thrown back in their face.
The promotion of a liberal agenda is the only reason they can give someone to vote for them rather than FG. To give them their credit in this area, it was generally neglected under the previous administration, and we are unlikely to have had marriage equality if FG was in power alone.
That’s why you can probably expect to see the liberal wing of the party (Bacik, O Riordain, White) turning up, rather than the working class wing (Lynch, Byrne) or the social democrats (Sherlock, O’Sullivan, Howlin).
She is a free loader has never been elected handed a senator post like ur 1 cahill. An think we kept all them free loaders .
Ivana Bacik won her senate seat from general election amongst trinity graduates. The six university seats, whether you agree with their existence or not, are elected by ordinary people and not politicians.
Ordinary people are the public at large. Graduates are a special interest group.
Well said Luke.
All their lures and promises now are predicated on the big “IF” we are re-elected. Which makes them worthless.
The up-side of this is of course, they won’t have to break them…
If they where really concerned about it couldn’t they have had a referendum before the election? Not that they where doing a whole pile in government anyway (except trying on blue shirts for size)
Sadly the secret Senad club will keep Bacik. Even though she has been told twice by the electorate that she is not wanted.
Labour’s manifesto pledge: We’ll work wonders and sh$t miracles (subject to getting into government).
Tru tru
The last government was the first government in over 20 years to legislate for the X Case and there is ZERO chance that would have happened if FG were in power on their own.
None of the other major parties are going anywhere near this issue during this campaign.
Yeah much better to let Irish women make the crossing instead of having it done at home because successive Irish governments continue scratching their balls.
You wouldn’t happen to own shares in Stena Line by any chance?
No more labour = no more Bacik.
Her seat is only due to the Labour nomination right?
They had 5 years to things about this and injection centres. 5 years!
They know they’ll never have to implement them.
It’s absolutely not abortion on request, it’s just very similar to the UK law, which effectively permits abortion on request. Call me old fashioned, but you really should at least split sentences when contradicting yourself.
‘Abortion on Request’ is a catch all that obscures the substance of the argument.
Kinda makes it sound like a choice, even!
Bullhockey. They had their chance this Dail term but rowed in behind FG and voted against such legislation. They’re asking people to give FG their number 2 vote, are pushing for a FG/abour coalition, and will have to do a deal with 12+ right leaning independents, all of whom would have to be pro choice.
But, sure, isn’t this the sort of thing you say before an election.
So what other possible government is going to legislate for abortion?
SF can only be in power with FF who are the most anti-abortion party in the state. More so than FG.
Labour got the X case finally legislated for in 2103 after decades of conservative opposition.
That’s why we have Renua now in existence, right?
Sinn Fein are of course hamstrung because of Peadar Tobin and others who are really pro-lifers so they cannot be a progressive party on abortion reform.
““I think Fianna Fáil’s position on this is archaic, out of touch and that is very much the reason why we need to make sure they don’t return to government in any form,” he said.
Yet there you are on 8% standing next to one of the most unelectable politicians in the country. Bacik.
Micheal Martin’s position is that they will leave the status quo as is. He made that abundantly clear. Lots of people will share that view. Therefore his position is representative of some, and bona fide in that political context whether O’ Riodain likes it or not,
Newstalk recently found that 41% of respondents to its Red C research believe that it should not be removed at all.
Therefore, Martin has grounds to adopt this position.
*Traditional Fine Gael voters – a vote for Fine Gael is really a vote for Labour’s abortion policy.
Vote for a party that implements its own policies not those of the unelectable Bacik.
The only thing to be aborted will be the Labour Party.
Ya, but where do they stand on Tatyo sandwiches on aer lingus flights? Labour, the party that lied to get into gov in the last election, spent 4 years and 10 months doing nothing and then in the last two weeks before the election are offering solutions for everything!
Had Gilmore went into opposition, we might have had a Labour majority party coalition at the moment.
They’re in favour of Salt & Vinegar Taytos but their position on Cheese & Onion is pending with results of a focus group expected soon.
Infuriating and cynical timing from Labour. Run as an independent for God’s sake Aodhan. This shower aren’t worth it.
You don’t get anything done as an Independent, at least not if your aim is to influence national debate rather than get a bit of local pork, and O Riordain strikes me as the kind who has those national goals.
Despite the invective, Labour will be back. They’ve nearly been wiped out before and survived. In fact, this election looks very much like 1987 to me and they were back in government within 5 years then.
I don’t know. Maybe. Fianna Fail are a case in point. But I don’t think Labour will ever be back as a ‘labour’ party. It totally depends on whether Sinn Fein given a chance and what they do with it if they are. If Labour don’t get in this time they will have F all to say in opposition without being laughed out of the chamber.
It’s gas watching Fianna Fail tying to position themselves to the left of Labour all the same.
I’m not sure Sinn Fein are eating Labour’s vote. Add the support for FF and SF and it looks suspiciously like FF’s old support.
Given that once upon a time FF wore SF’s clothes as a left-leaning, Republican party, who would wave the green flag when expedient, I don’t think this is coincidence. To my mind, SF’s support has come almost entirely from FF.
Labour are not that far below their historical average and I think their vote has most likely drifted to the AAA/PBP and the Social Democrats.
Totally agree with you on that. But I think that if Sinn Fein were to get in, it would be their one chance. If they don’t push through some serious people policies, they won’t last long. If they do, I could see Labour’s chore beginning to shift. The proof will be very much in the pudding.
Also. Like I said, 5 years of silence in opposition won’t do Labour much good.
AAA/PBP won’t hold much appeal for the unions.
Promises, promises. Don’t believe a word of it.
“For words are only spoken” “Not a word of this is true”. One of Thin Lizzys greatest.Sums up the Labour Party alright…..
UK abortion laws are hypocrisy epitomised. Why not model the law on countries like France and Germany? Abortion is available on demand (ie the “choice” Bacik and others purport to be in favour of) up to 12 weeks post-conception (14 weeks in common parlance). No need to ask for permission and no “threat to mental health” game-playing.
I suspect Labour’s attraction to the UK legislation is based more on its later time-limit (24 weeks) and they’ll overlook that it infantilises women and frames abortion as always a form of therapeutic care rather than in terms of agency and choice.
Totally agree. Up to 12 weeks, either agree that it’s no ones business or forget about it altogether. Otherwise all you are doing is tying to stream-line morality, which is ridiculous.
“White did not set a deadline on a referendum but said it will be delivered in the “early part of the next government” if Labour is re-elected”
That would be a good move, pity the Tratoir party won’t be elected to the next government.
So Labour have had a hand in power for the last 5 years,, and they choose now to say this is a very important issue and they want to address it as soon as possible,, you would almost think an election is,,,,oh wait… Sorry my mistake…..
“Isn’t that what you tend to do during an election?”
Probably the only honest thing Pat Rabbitte said in his entire life.
Tbh the first pic suggests the 2 polticians don’t honestly believe in the idea and are not enthusiastic about the idea. Would be common for election candidates!
F.CK OFF LABOUR YOUR IRRELEVANT NOW.
They didn’t even bother turning up for the debate with Vincent Brown…
So Labour are effectively in favour of UK-style “abortion on demand” – not the limited legalisation they previously spoke of.
Further proof that they prioritise the whims of their middle-class activists over the needs of their working-class supporters (or the dwindling few they have left).
They won’t be getting a tick off me – and I do have respect and regard for people in the Labour Party….
They deserve everything they get now! As do FG! They blew it!! Cuts cuts taxes and more cuts now foooook off
Who speaks for the most vulnerable in our society. Brute violence is not an acceptable choice. http://www.teen-beauty-tips.com/teenage-abortion.html
When it comes to sovereignty and abortion Labour will have us vote as many times as it takes to deliver their “right” answer. Facing political oblivion they promise death and think it’ll work.
The best solution is abort Labour out of office.
When it comes to abortion and giving up our sovereignty Labour believe in having referendums until we deliver the “right” answer. Facing political oblivion they plan on leaving a legacy of death.
no provision for socioeconomic grounds i see, where women who are very poor/mentally ill can get a termination. shameful. social change my hole
This party has been run into the ground and needs to be wiped out in the election.
2 idiots 1 unelected & unelectable in the top photo. Nuff said except bye bye.
Makes sense. The UK does the majority of our 4000 abortions a year anyway.
Vote Labour in for abortion and then they will create more immigration, so therefore abortion will be available to the immigrants?
Have people forgotten what this government has done to children and single mothers as well as to families.
Would people want more of the same for the price of abortion???
That is what Labour thinks?
Assume this will be a red line issue for them in any negotiations
The farming community have already polled highly in wanting to Repeal the 8th .
In fact,the younger generation of farmers polled high into the seventies, if my memory serves me correctly..
Not true, look at question was framed to get that answer
Of course it was.
If we want to talk about archaic legislation then the criminal law bill 2015 that labour tried to get passed second stage without any debate is about as archaic as anything FF could muster. Labour only interest was having another punch line for their Ard feis. That is labours problem it doesn’t listen to people affected by legislation. It pretends it has all the answers but really this country is better off without the current leadership. labour is doomed to be a elite champagne socialist party driving former labour voters to other parties.
What a horrible woman.
Yes.they will be represented at the negotiations by their youngest TD, the sprightly gargoyle Emmet Staggering….
(That was autocorrect being damn accurate….)
Wipe the corrupt liars out in GE.
This governments policy is not to increase income tax, but what we will do is introduce a property tax and then we will introduce a water charge without inquiring of the ability to pay. OK so far, we will then increase prescription charges by 400% after that we will increase car tax and then abolish the phone and electric allowence and we will then increase the enviromental tax on coal and briquettes what we can try then is take the medical cards we might get away with it, and then we will scrap the death grant you see that looks better than increasing income tax or the tax 12.5% we charge inward investment companies. Basically we can screw the elderly and those less fortunate in society.
Tony
you are off topic.
This is about a modern law to meet the demand for abortion.
I don’t believe for one minute that 4,000 plus women from Ireland go to England every year for abortion people been sold a pup. In this age were you can get a load of different types of protection that 4,000 plus women are still getting pregnant by mistake.
@ David Clarke the number was 3735 in 2014. U.K. Dept of health figures: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/abortion-statistics-for-england-and-wales …..and the sisters told us contraception would solve the problem of unwanted pregnancies !
David has a tattoo of the rosary on his right shoulder (in the public domain btw), read between the lines.
We have to stop these wimmin from having sex !!!
If men just had sex with each other, it would be much handier.
Non story. Labour will be nowhere near the next government.
Labour planning to delivery a policy? Will never happen.
Labour is a very sick party!
Are there any Catholic TDs in Labour?
Yes I have Richard and I love it and your point is. Because I have a religious tattoo on my arm you jump to the conclusion that I’m a religious nut who is against everything. Well now nosey hole I’m of the belief that it is up to the woman to do what she thinks is right for herself, I might not want to see it happen but hey that’s my problem I’ll not judge anyone because I can’t afford to but it’s a pity that you won’t ack up your comments by showing your true identity my only question was the amount nothing else
The strange thing about this announcement is that it has taken the Labour party so long to make it. For months The Journal and the Irish Times have been plugging the abortion issue relentlessly, no opportunity has been wasted by either to commission an article on the subject. Yet since the election was called both the Journal and the I T have almost become abortion free zones until today. Even the TV debates have avoided the subject with studied intensity. With the Labour party becoming irrelevant to the debate as it slumps towards wipeout, this concerted avoidance of the topic must be at the behest of Fine Gael. Has it already sold out on the 8th Amendment? Is Kennys proposed post election “convention” a fig leaf for a fresh referendum? Is the party, or are individual candidates, being bankrolled in this election by some hidden hand, with support for repeal of the 8th Amendment the price being demanded. Not that we’re likely to find out in time, but again it looks like the electorate is being hoodwinked.
Yea m f Kevin and 53 percent said they were voting fg, people go on about people on the dole getting money for nothing they should have a look at the farmers
These traitorous shysters will promise people anything, they need to stay on the gravy train for a few more years.
So Labour want to go down the same road as the UK where abortion is on demand and taxpayers are forced against their freedom of conscience to fund the lucrative industry. Either Labour are completely ignorant or don’t have concerns for rape victims after all they have not learned that legal abortion is a weapon used by rapists to cover-up sexual abuse. Bye bye Labour bye bye.
I see nothing wrong with abortion on request once it’s within a time frame. In the Uk it can be done as late as 18-24 weeks.I think that’s too long. It can also be done later is the child has a serious handicap.
Can’t argue with that go on go on unbelievable
have your say