Tuesday 22 February 2011

Stepping up the pressure on Fine Gael

With reference to my previous post regarding contacting the various parties via http://www.opinionviewer.com/

I've been getting some feedback from various politicians: two from FG (including Enda Kenny's office) and one from FF. 

Surveying the political landscape, my hunch is that FG think they are benefiting from the relatively pro-life position they have adopted. Let's be honest, we all know that the economic debate is a non-issue because whoever gets elected is going to be towing the IMF/EU line. However, the pro-life dimension to this election has made it possible for FG to put some clear blue water between themselves and Labour.

Which brings me on to my next point. This is the standard response which FG seem to be e mailing to people:

Thank you for your mail and for making your views known. I am against the legalisation of abortion. Fine Gael will establish an all-party Oireachtas Committee, with access to medical and legal expertise, to consider the implications of  the recent ruling of the European Court of Human Rights and to make recommendations. Such a process would, we believe, be the best way of examining the issues in a way that respects the range of sincerely-held views on this matter. Fine Gael’s representatives will bring to the proposed all-party committee a clear commitment that women in pregnancy will receive whatever treatments are necessary to safeguard their lives, and that the duty of care to preserve the life of the baby will also be upheld. Fine Gael is opposed to research conducted on human embryos, but favours alternative stem cell research that does not involve human embryos such as adult stem cell and umbilical cord research.

Unfortunately this isn't good enough because Oireachtas Committees tend to be socially liberal. Also, as I have made clear to those TDs who have responded:


Only a commitment to oppose direct and intentional abortion, in all circumstances, from the moment of conception would be morally and legally sufficient. If you give the judges any leeway they will take it.

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