Ireland is changing and moving forward says MacManus

SINN Féin Councillor Chris MacManus has said the result of Friday’s Referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment has shown ‘ Ireland is definitively changing and moving forward as a fairer and more caring society’.

Speaking from the Sligo-Leitrim count centre as tallies showed that the Yes vote in County Sligo reached nearly 62%, he called upon the Sligo TDs ‘ to support the legislation whenever it comes before them.’

Councillor MacManus said: “The people have spoken and spoken decisively at both local and state level that the Ireland of today is not the Ireland of decades past. Old inevitabilities are no more.

“For months, all of us have engaged in a serious and mature conversation about how we want our fellow citizens to be treated. Sometimes this conversation has been hard, and I want to acknowledge the sincere and heartfelt views of many on both sides of the campaign.

“As someone who campaigned for a Yes vote working as part of the Together For Yes group I was struck by the many personal stories I heard, in particular from women about their private suffering and loss. I especially commend those who had the strength to speak publicly about such tragedies in their hope to make Ireland a better place.

“We must also acknowledge those who voted No.

“We are a diverse society and must recognise that there are strongly held views on such important matters.

“Now that the campaign is over, I would urge our Sligo TDs to support the legislation whenever it comes before them.

“The people have spoken decisively, and I hope that they will respect the overwhelming referendum result here in County Sligo.

“Within our country and our communities, we now must join together to ensure that this is another step in creating a fairer and more caring Ireland.”