The lead report in The Irish Times 10 years ago today carried the headline: "McCreevy says logic points to limited abortion here."
The article said there was a growing view in political parties that the Supreme Court decision in the X case allowing a 14-year-old rape victim to leave the State for an abortion meant some limited form of abortion should be available in Ireland.
The then minister for social welfare, Mr Charlie McCreevy, was quoted as saying he was "not against abortion in certain circumstances".
"It is logical to argue that some provision will have to be allowed here," he said.
The view was endorsed by Ms Mary Harney TD, although others disagreed, including the Cork Fianna Fáil TD Mr Mícheál Martin - now Minister for Health - who said if some limited abortion were allowed, abortion on demand would eventually result. Mr Martin also predicted any changes to the Constitution would be extremely difficult and potentially divisive.
The Government headed by Mr Albert Reynolds was preparing for a Dáil debate on the court judgment.
