Politicians must be upfront on abortion stance

The matter of the Eighth Amendment continued to dominate the political agenda this week.

The Cabinet, obviously, made a number of key decisions this week and agreed the holding of a referendum.

Ministers have also been making their positions known on the proposition to allow for abortions up to 12 weeks.

Tanaiste Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed, Minister for Communications Denis Naughten and Government chief whip Joe McHugh have all confirmed their objection to the particular proposal.

Government will not finalise wording before ‘unborn’ ruling

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Many in Leinster House unnerved by 12 weeks proposal

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Abortion now in the hands of Irish electorate, says Taoiseach

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Galway novena ‘will not provide platform’ for any position on abortion

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There are a number of other Ministers who have yet to state their position, including Michael Ring, Shane Ross, Heather Humphreys and Paul Kehoe.

There are plenty of TDs and Senators who are avoiding the question also. They have a bit more time to do so.

There is an onus on politicians to be honest and upfront about their stance.

Those that support the 12 weeks must explain their rationale and how they reached that position – why 12 weeks and how can they be sure it will remain at 12 weeks?

Those that favour change but not the 12 weeks must outline in what cases they believe abortion should be legislated for and how to implement that in law.

And those that oppose any changes must outline how they can preside over the current situation and prevent women from accessing abortion pills online.

This is not an issue politicians feel comfortable discussing, but they are elected to lead, and it is essential they do so.

Troube in paradise?

Few things irk politicians in Ireland more than broadband and health care services.

And so the announcement yesterday by Eir to withdraw from the National Broadband Scheme has caused some irritation.

It was the main topic at the Fine Gael and Fianna Fail parliamentary party meetings last night.

Meanwhile, Ministers have objected to Simon Harris's plans for trauma-care services.

There may be trouble ahead.