MARY TO BACK REPEAL LAW

FORMER education minister Mary O’Rourke said she will be a champion for repeal legislation – despite voting No herself.

Speaking to the Irish Mail on Sunday, she said: ‘Nobody can ignore this huge vote. The people didn’t just vote, they shouted.

‘Now the mandate is equally as large for Minister Simon Harris and the Government to come through with the legislation. As soon as the Dáil reconvenes in the autumn, the legislation should be brought forward. It is at their peril that deputies or senators would intervene in what is the clear wish of the people.

‘I stayed out of the debate because I had to make my mind up. I had huge issues because myself and my husband Enda had infertility issues. We had our son and we adopted another… but I’ve never forgotten the struggle.

‘I voted No because of the unborn child and the potential that child would have. I have no regrets but now I want to see the will of the people implemented.’

She called on Mr Harris to fulfil his promise to ‘bring in a free contraception service’ and for the Education Minister to provide ‘proper sex education in schools’.

‘All that will mean that women will be far more in charge of their destiny. That’s important.’