To those who advocate for ‘death with dignity’ Prof Des O’Neill responded that human dignity cannot be lost through disability, disease, dependency, or suffering. However he added that: “insensitive treatment or attitudes to those so affected can constitute undignified care,” and issues such as adequacy of treatment and support should be properly addressed.
Archbishop Eamon Martin urges people and parties of different political perspectives “to progress peace", tackle poverty and homelessness, tackle the pressure on hospitals and schools, and "to promote a culture of life.”
"Catholic schools are most welcoming of people of different faiths. This is not a reason for maintaining patronage of most of the primary schools in the country, when more and more people want something else." – Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin
There are 3.8 million Catholic voters in England and Wales and Labour will ignore them at its peril.
Tanya Coonan stated that while some doctors and midwives showed “extraordinary compassion”, others were too quick to push parents towards abortion, and this needs to change.
Surprise finding in ComRes poll – women in UK want to make abortion more restrictive, reduce time limits, have more counselling and give more support to women who want to continue pregnancies but are under financial pressure to have an abortion.
Councillors vote by 23-12 against a call for a repeal of the 8th Amendment which provides for a constitutional ban on abortion.
Taoiseach refuses to commit to repealing 8th Amendment while Tánaiste confirms repeal of the Amendment will be part of Labour's manifesto.
“Will those who continue to sincerely believe that marriage is between a man and a woman be forced to act against their faith and conscience?”
Sunday Independent poll shows 56% support referendum to repeal 8th Amendment; 60% support abortion in the case of suicide; 69% support it in case of rape.
Abortion is now legal in Ireland up to birth based on a threat of suicide PLC warns.
"There is no divine right to a Catholic near-monopoly in education in Ireland."
“Labour keep pushing for this – they want it but the public doesn’t want it" warns David Quinn.
Ireland should consider re-appointing a resident ambassador to the Vatican Deputy Michael McNamara suggests.
