Pro-life campaign downplays repeal of eighth support
The pro-life campaign is playing down reports of public support for repealing of the eighth amendment, in the wake of the weekend's marriage referendum result.
The eighth amendment is the part of the constitution which acknowledges the right to life of the unborn.
Tánaiste Joan Burton has said a referendum on the issue would be in the Labour manifesto for next year's general election.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny confirmed in the Dáil last night that voters will not be getting their say on abortion laws before that point.
Cora Sherlock from the Pro-Life Campaign says comments on their Facebook page in recent days show the public is drawing a distinction between equal marriage rights and abortion laws.
"Many people commented on that to say they had voted yes on the referendum, but they would actively campaign against the repeal of the eighth amendment," she said.
"The eight amendment has saved many many lives - there are many people who ha appointments for abortion clinics in the UK, and the extra day or two they had to take … means they changed their minds, and a valued member of their family is now alive today."
Labour Senator Ivana Bacik, however, believes there is a link between the two issues.
She thinks opinion polls that have already been completed show Ireland's voters are ready to repeal the relevant portion of the constitution.
"The majority of Irish people, particularly younger people, are in favour of repeal of the eighth amendment - just as we knew the majority of people were in favour of marriage equality.
"The referendum … simply reflected a change in social opinion which had already happened."
She said Labour would commit to a referendum on appeal of the eighth if in the next Government, and she is confident it would be passed.
