Politics

Cross-party group formed to appeal for ‘Yes’ vote in referendum

Former and current members of political parties including FF and FG taking part

Members of Oireachtas group in support of a Yes vote in the Eight Amendment Referendum. Photograph: Marc O’Sullivan

Sarah Bardon Political Reporter
Thu Mar 29 2018 - 21:25

A cross-party group has formed ahead of the referendum on the Eighth Amendment encouraging voters to repeal Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution.

Former and current members from Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, Labour, Green Party, Social Democrats, Independents 4 Change and Independents were in attendance.

Three TDs and two Senators from Fianna Fáil attended, while six Fine Gael members committed to the grouping.

Minister for Children Katherine Zappone was also present, as was former tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald and former Supreme Court judge Catherine McGuinness.

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Speaking at the event Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central, said he could not stand on the sidelines of this issue.

The group plans to campaign and fundraise for the national Together for Yes campaign.

They also plan to use their established political and supportive networks to disseminate and facilitate understanding of the committee’s report.

Fine Gael TD Kate O'Connell said abortion was a reality in Ireland and it was - on demand - through the internet.

She added: “We need to stop punishing the most marginalised people in society and face up to the fact that thousands upon thousands of women have been banished beyond our borders, or have attempted abortion at home with potentially fatal consequences.”

The Irish Times reported last week how a group of anti-abortion TDs have sought to form an alliance ahead of the referendum.

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