PDs reject nuclear power

A motion calling for the building of nuclear power plants in Ireland was defeated at the annual conference of the Young Progressive…

A motion calling for the building of nuclear power plants in Ireland was defeated at the annual conference of the Young Progressive Democrats in Dublin at the weekend.

The motion from the Dublin Young Progressive Democrats said that nuclear power was "a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly method of producing electricity" and nuclear power plants should be developed in the country.

However, after a lengthy debate the motion was beaten on the basis that it would be too costly and wasn't needed with wind power in Ireland.

A motion from the UCD branch calling for an unambiguous referendum on abortion was passed.

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The motion said this referendum should give the option to fully legalise abortion, based on European norms, with its acceptance and maintain the current situation with its rejection.

The chairman of the Young Progressive Democrats, Colm Fahey, said the conference was one of the best attended to date with more than 70 delegates from around the State. It was opened by PD deputy leader Liz O'Donnell and addressed by the PD leader and Tánaiste, Michael McDowell.

The party's energy spokeswoman, Fiona O'Malley, also addressed the conference and Wexford general election candidate Colm O'Gorman spoke on the importance of being politically active.

Catalonian guest speaker Roger Albinyana i Saigi gave a talk on LYMEC, the youth wing of the European Liberal Democrats.