Sir, - Dick Walsh wondered, in his rather testy column of October 6th, why a referendum on abortion should take precedence over other concerns at this time. Perhaps because of a wait of nine years? I find it fascinating that so-called liberals take such umbrage at the holding of a referendum they do not approve of. No such qualms bothered them on the divorce issue.
Being aware of the widespread killing of babies in the womb in the US, England and most other countries, it is surprising that such bile surfaces when attempts are made to treat this as a human rights issue. Can we do no better than resort to killing? A quick-fix solution with long-lasting consequences?
Surely after all the research and consultation with various groups, it is appropriate to hold a referendum. Irish Times writers - Mary Holland, Medb Ruane, Fintan O'Toole and Dick Walsh to date - probably perceived as being liberal, are certainly to the fore in rubbishing the idea of a referendum on this issue of the value of human life. What are they afraid of?
As has been rightly pointed out, funding for a crisis pregnancy agency should have been provided long ago. Those of us opposed to abortion are only too aware of the need to support women with an unwanted pregnancy. What is needed is every other support, as is supplied by Life and Cura, but not the killing of the baby.
Surely we have advanced further than seeing killing as a solution to any problem? Or have we, when we support the bombing of Afghanistan? - Yours, etc.,
Mrs Mary Stewart, Ardeskin, Donegal Town.