ABORTION REFERENDUM: We asked Wicklow’s TDs and councillors where they stand

Myles Buchanan and Mary Fogarty contacted as many of our local politicans as possible and asked each of them: What’s your position on the Government’s proposal? These are their responses

very informative. It’s clear that this is not just about abortion, but access to women’s health. The eighth amendment has constructed consultants from providing proper healthcare to many women. The fact is that we have been exporting this issue instead of dealing with it here. On those grounds, I will be fully supporting the repeal.

MINISTER OF STATE ANDREW DOYLE

I will vote to allow the referendum to take place so the public can have their say but I have grave reservations about the proposal as it stands and would find it difficult to vote in favour. That is my personal opinion and I hope people can respect it, just as I respect any other opinions.

CLLR JOE BEHAN

I am not in favour. I believe that the unborn child is a life that needs to be protected. I voted for the amendment in the 80s for that reason. The unborn child is entitled to protection of the constitution of the people.

CLLR CHRISTOPHER FOX

I am undecided. It has been suggested by some just to repeal and not put in new legislation. I wouldn’t be in favour of that. I would have to see any proposed new legislation to replace existing laws before I would make a decision.

CLLR BRENDAN THORNHILL

I will not be voting to repeal the eighth amendment. As someone who is pro life consider that life is precious. I do not support abortion up to 12 weeks, this is a step too far. I support abortion in extreme cases, e.e. fatal foetal abnormalities, or where a woman’s life is in danger. The right to life of the unborn in most cases has to be respected.

As the wording as to what it is intended to put in it’s place is not yet decided on, and I hear it won’t be for a few weeks, I could not decide in such a vacuum as to whether I’m for or against it’s repeal. I will have no problem stating my view when this wording becomes available.

CLLR PAT VANCE

I would have to see any proposed legislation before making a decision. I would certainly have reservations. At the moment I don’t have sufficient information to decide whether or not to support repealing the amendment.

CLLR TOM FORTUNE

I’m listening to the debate and to what all the TDs are saying, and listening to the points being made by all sides. I’ve been reading information and rying to inform myself on it. I wouldn’t normally make comments on something like this until I’m fully informed.

CLLR NICOLA LAWLESS

I am in favour of repealing. On a personal level, I believe in choice and that everyone should have a choice. I also believe it’s important we get women’s health right. This isn’t just about abortion, but women’s health and safety.

CLLR GRÁINNE MCLOUGHLIN

I am hopeful we will get people out to vote on the day to ensure that this gets passed. The reasons for people seeking abortions are complex and consideration on a case by case basis is not an effective way of judging whether the procedure should be made available in Ireland. It is just not correct to say we do not have abortion in Ireland. We have it, our female citizens get on a plane or boat every day to procure it and we expect the women of Ireland to continue going to England or other centres in Europe, with no back-up health or emotional support, with no legal rights.

CLLR DEREK MITCHELL

As a normal citizen, I’ll be voting to repeal. I feel it’s up to the woman. It would be a very difficult decision for any woman to make and I think it’s her to make.

CLLR GERRY WALSH

I have not made a final decision on how I would vote in the upcoming referendum in relation to the eighth amendment yet.

I await the wording put forward by the Government, regarding what is proposed as a replacement for the eighth , which will form a major part of upcoming debates, and I am listening to the various points of view,on the issue , with interest ,as well as reading the Report from the Citizens’ Assembly along with the recommendations of the special Oireachtas Committee

This is an extremely complex, personal, sensitive and emotive issue, and the result of the referendum will have a profound impact on our future society.

There are real issues around fatal foetal abnormalities, rape and incest, that will be central to the referendum outcome.

CLLR SYLVESTER BOURKE

I will be giving it my support.

CLLR JENNIFER WHITMORE

Women’s healthcare should not be in the constitution. This discussion should be framed in the context of women’s health care. The recommendations from the eighth committee demonstrated that it is absolutely critical that women be supported.

Abortion is a very difficult decision that no woman would take lightly. It’s been 35 years since women in this country were given an opportunity to be heart on this and it’s very important that we are heard.

CLLR MARY KAVANAGH

I will be supporting repeal of the eighth amendment. The tragic death of Savita Halappanaver highlighted flaws in our current system. We need to ensure that nothing like this could ever happen again. Obviously I would have to examine the wording of any proposed changes to the legislation when it is published but I believe that women, and the medical profession, are badly served under the current legislation.

CLLR SHAY CULLEN

While I agree that the eighth amendment should be put to the people, I would have concerns with unrestrictive abortion up to 12 weeks, but I want to see the wording of what we will be asked to vote for before I make up my mind.

This is a very emotive issue and a very personal one and something that I hope we can debate and respect everyone’s point of view in the run up to the referendum.’

CLLR GAIL DUNNE

I won’t be making any decision on