We really want to get this decision right

WE will all make a momentous decision in the upcoming referendum on the eighth amendment whatever way the final result falls.

The decision is intensely personal for each and every person to make when they come to cast their vote.

But what has been remarkable about the debate to date has been the determination to do the right thing.

It is an issue that has exercised us before and since former Taoiseach Enda Kenny conceded that there would be a vote on the issue some years ago, it has been addressed very seriously by the political class and the general public.

There can be no doubt that Irish people want to get this decision right, that they want to consider the rights to life of the unborn, the mother and the rights of a woman to make her own choice.

There was a huge turnout at a right to life rally in Dublin at the weekend and there will be similar rallies and huge turnouts for events on the other side of the debate in the coming weeks.

Whether or not we ultimately repeal the 8th amendment time will tell, but it is remarkable to see just how seriously we take the issue.

Whatever way we vote, we will have wrestled with our conscious on the matter and will have thought long and hard on what is the right decision to make.

It is a healthy sign for our democracy and our society that do consider such moral questions so seriously.

Hopefully we can retain respect for each others viewpoint throughout the campaign.