Sir, - No green paper, no white paper, nor any other colour of Government paper will solve the ongoing problems of distressed women carrying (what they refer to as) unwanted children. It is only through education and information, leading to the subsequent saving of the unborn child in the womb, that life in its most delicate and riskiest state can be protected.
There is no such thing as a little bit of abortion. Other countries' experiences have proved that laws permitting even restrictive abortion (only in exceptional circumstances) have in most cases led to abortion on demand within a few years. We in Ireland must not allow this to happen.
The pro-choice people consistently paint a surreal picture of transport ships ferrying 6,000 women a year to far-off places to procure abortions that they should have at home in Ireland. Is this the kind of irrelevant and illogical nonsense likely to unite our nation on such a controversial issue?
The most dangerous colour in the upcoming debate will be grey. There are no grey areas when human life is at stake. A total ban on abortion in all circumstances, as polled for by the people time and time again, is needed now.
The people must decide; otherwise a legislative decision would leave our Government and judiciary washing their hands like Pilate, exposing the Constitution to the worst elements of the "X" case ruling. - Yours, etc.,
Noel O Shaughnessy, Boyne Crescent, Mayfield, Cork.