My daughters will grow up in a new nation

ABORTION is a weird subject to be jubilant about, but we’re thrilled. A lot of people thought Ireland’s socalled conservatism would make the referendum tight or even carry a No vote. But this was a once-in-ageneration choice and that’s why so many young people have been so passionate.

I have two daughters and they’re going to have a totally different adolescence to me. They’re not going to be riddled with shame, in the grasp of the Catholic Church; they’ll know I support them and that Ireland supports its women.

It was poignant that so many Irish, young and old, came home to vote – at the same time as women may have been travelling in the other direction to have a secret abortion.

Twelve Irish women a day terminate a pregnancy, and we all know someone who has. This vote proves Irish people are compassionate and have stood up to care for these women. There’s a feeling of unity and community here at the moment and it is amazing. We’ve had lots of messages thanking us, saying our book has allowed them to start a conversation about repeal with their mothers, grandmothers and aunties.

We’re hopeful for the future, that this vote signals a seachange and that it is going to make it easier to help change other conservative Catholic ideals in Ireland.

Sarah Breen and Emer McLysaght wrote the bestselling Oh My God, What A Complete Aisling which tells the story of a country girl in the big city, touching on abortion and women’s healthcare. Published by Penguin.