The Bill to provide for the holding of a referendum on abortion was passed by 23 votes to 16 following bitter exchanges. Opposition members were incensed at a late intervention by Ms Margaret Cox (FF), who said those who wanted to allow legalised abortion in this country would not support the referendum.
Following angry criticism, Ms Cox left the Chamber and did not take part in the vote on the passage of the Bill. She had stated that if any of her remarks caused insult or injury to any individual on the other side of the House she would withdraw categorically.
While accepting Ms Cox's word that she had not set out to cause hurt, Dr Maurice Manning, the Fine Gael leader in the House, said she had slandered "the entire other side of the debate by saying that those who opposed the referendum were in favour of legalised abortion. That was a terrible thing to say".
The debate on the Bill was coming to a close when Ms Cox rose to speak. She said what saddened her most was the "wriggling" that had been done by members of the Opposition who were trying to find reasons not to support the Bill.
Mr Brendan Ryan (Lab) said he took great exception to what the Fianna Fβil senator had said.
Ms Cox said that an Opposition member had argued that the voice of the people was not being heard in the legislation. That voice, she believed, was reflected in the Dβil and Seanad. "The question here is about whether we want to have a say in a solution to the difficulties that face the women and children of this country. And if we want to allow legalised abortion in this country, then we do not support the referendum."
Mr Ryan told the acting chairman, Mr Dino Cregan (FG): "Tell her to behave herself or I'll do it myself. "
When Ms Helen Keogh (FG) called on Ms Cox to withdraw her remarks, she responded that she had a right to put her views.
Mr Ryan said the senator was trying to grab headlines for her political agenda in Galway West.
Mr Manning said during an honest debate nobody had questioned anyone else's motives.
He said he was sickened that a member of the House should come in at the last minute and throw a blanket smear at all those who opposed the Bill.
Later, Mr Manning apologised for being somewhat intemperate. Following Ms Cox's departure from the chamber, Mr Ryan said he wished to apologise for things he should not have said.