The Coalition Government has responded to public and political pressure by favouring a more restrained approach to the conduct of research on embryonic stem-cells within the European Union. The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, has said she will support a Portuguese initiative that would confine medical research to stem-cells already drawn from embryos and in storage before last Wednesday.
Such an approach would mean that no more embryos would be destroyed, through the withdrawal of stem-lines, for the purpose of research. If the proposal is acceptable to the European Commission, it will be voted on next week by the Council of Ministers.
The leader of the Progressive Democrats has insisted the decision to fund this form of research was taken by EU governments some time ago and cannot be reversed. The vote will be about placing stem-cell research - in those countries where it is regarded as both ethical and legal - under strict safeguards and controls. The alternative, she said, would be the free-for-all situation that exists in the US and elsewhere. In spite of those reassurances, pro-life advocates oppose the measure in favour of a total ban on any research involving embryos. The lost abortion referendum of two years ago throws long shadows. As on that occasion, there is no middle ground.
Some prominent members of Fianna Fáil joined with their old, anti-abortion allies, and accused the Tánaiste of unilaterally supporting stem-cell research. It was an unseemly exercise in blame-transference. Explanations offered by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, were ignored, as were pleas for party loyalty and cohesion. The indiscipline displayed by Fianna Fáil in recent weeks continued. Mr Ahern was forced to publicly confirm the Cabinet had agreed to stem-cell research. The relevant EU vote was cast by Fianna Fáil Minister of State, Mr Noel Treacy.
Even allowing for heightened sensibilities, it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that many politicians were motivated to break ranks by electoral, rather than ethical, considerations. The Government was precluded from changing its original decision. And, because the horse had already bolted, backbenchers had nothing to lose in publicly locking the stable door. Many have reacted similarly to Government cuts in social welfare and community employment schemes.
Stem-cell research does involve important ethical issues. But the EU debate on permitting and funding such ground-breaking investigation is over. The issue now under consideration is that of effective controls.