A chara, - I defy all those who oppose a new abortion referendum to contradict two simple obvious and indisputable facts. Firstly, the people who voted Yes in the 1982 referendum intended a complete ban on abortion, and therefore the stated view of the people - not any judge, court or lobby group, but the sovereign democratic professed wish of the Irish people - was for a complete ban on abortion. Secondly, the subsequent Supreme Court interpretation of that amendment was, rightly or wrongly, contrary to what was envisaged by that referendum. This is irrefutable.
It therefore seems to me quite simple - crystal clear, in fact - that there is an overwhelming necessity to allow the people restate their views on abortion. Those who say otherwise should be more honest about why they actually hold those views and what they are afraid of. - Is mise,
David Carroll, Castle Street, Dublin 2.