No vote ‘locked down in Drogheda’
CAMPAIGNERS ARE WORRIED THERE WILL NOT BE ENOUGH CHILDREN FOR SCHOOLS OR GAA TEAMS IF ABORTION IS LEGALISED
ONE of the organisers of the local campaign to Save the Eighth, says he believes the No vote is ‘ locked down’ in Drogheda.
Micheal O’Dowd has been canvassing with many others on the doorsteps of the town, and says they have been generally well received, with robust exchanges taking place, but nothing outstandingly negative.
“Even those we have been speaking with who would be considered soft Yes votes, have been listening to us, and we help them delve deeper into what is being said in the slogans. We believe there is still a large number of people, especially younger voters, who will vote to keep the 8th.”
Micheal, who has been canvassing with his son Conor who has Down Syndrome says Ireland will stay a better place with the 8th amendment retained.
“Wherever you stand on abortion, the facts are impossible to ignore. People whose disabilities are detected before birth are effectively being wiped out by abortion. 90% of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome in Britain are aborted.
“We believe Ireland will become more like our neighbours in the UK is abortion is available on demand, and figures here show 55% of babies with Down Syndrome are being terminated there and we believe it will rise significantly,’ he says.
Another great concern for Michael, speaking on behalf of the Save the Eighth group, is the impact to the local community if there is abortion on demand to 12 weeks.
‘ There will be fewer children in our schools and to play for our sports club, with GAA teams and things like that down members,” he tells the Drogheda Independent.
“This is not just an issue for now, and we have to think of the wider impact it will have on our society and our country.”
Micheal says the group just doesn’t except that termination is ever an option, even if circumstances like fatal foetal abnormalities, rape or incest are factors.
“Whatever difficulties surround the pregnancy, there is never a need for terminating a pregnancy,” he says.
“In every instance, a better solution can be found, and we are finding people are agreeing with us on the doorsteps in Drogheda.”
What Micheal and the rest of the local Save the Eighth campaigners can’t agree on is the removal of No votes posters from around the town.
“We live in a democracy and both sides should be free to make their case without interference. There is a history of such tolerance in Drogheda, but I suppose that is the way things have become, and there’s nothing you can do.
“We know the people of Drogheda and Louth will vote with compassion, and that will be a No vote.”