A chara, Abortion is an extremely emotional, divisive and fundamental issue. The Government at the last Referendum was so overwhelmed with its consequences that it presented the electorate with a senseless amendment - so much so that both sides rejected it. Successive Governments have been primarily terrified of legislating pursuant to this and, secondly, are practically barred from so doing as a result of the incongruous nature of the amendment.
This issue is about people: the vote of the people, women's rights over their bodies, the rights of the foetus and the right of society versus the right of the individual. Thus, this issue is to be decided by the people - give them back the power to do so.
Do not make this a political football, and ask political parties constituted by individuals with conflicting views to give an honest opinion in the run-up to an election. If both sides feel so strongly about the rights involved, do not trivialise them by making them just another political plaything manipulated to win votes.
If we are to decide this issue once and for all, let us give it the respect it deserves. Remove it from the muddy arena of pre-election struggle, and imbue a national conviction to hold a Referendum as soon as possible thereafter. - Is mise le meas,
MURPHY, BCL., Castleville, Castletroy, Co Limerick.