‘Hate mail’ sent to Dáil deputies

TWO of Clare’s Oireachtas members have received abusive correspondence from pro-choice and pro-life campaigners about proposed abortion legislation, it emerged this week.

 

Deputy Michael McNamara and Deputy Timmy Dooley have outlined a minority of campaigners resorted to unparliamentary language in a week when eight county councillors requested a referendum on the Government’s proposed Protection of Life in Pregnancy Bill.

Despite a statement from Catholic bishops that the new bill is unnecessary to ensure that women receive “the life-saving treatment they need during pregnancy”, six Oireachtas members and 24 county councillors have rowed in behind the need to provide legal clarity for the medical profession who have to intervene with terminations of the unborn.

Deputy Michael McNamara confirmed he has received “hate mail” from pro-choice and pro-life supporters in recent months. While most of the correspondence, including representations from people with genuine concerns, was reasonable, he believes the relatively small number containing abusive language were sent to him from people outside of the constituency.

The Labour Deputy also said he wasn’t unduly bothered by the verbal abuse he received from members of a pro-life rally outside Leinster House last January.

Deputy Timmy Dooley said a handful of letters from both sides contained “over the top” comments. He said any correspondence on any issue that were abusive to him or any of his staff, were not taken into consideration, particularly from those who remained anonymous.

Senator Martin Conway revealed he was sent a few prayer books and bibles in recent months, with notes requesting him to adhere to the word of God.

A Clare Champion survey has revealed that two Fianna Fáil councillors – Bill Chambers and Pat Keane – are opposed to the proposed abortion legislation.

Councillor Chambers confirmed he is totally opposed to the provision of legislation for abortion and expressed concern it would open the floodgates for abortion on demand, as pro-choice groups look for even fewer restrictions.

“Enda Kenny said before the last general election he would not legislate for abortion. Fine Gael should now show some leadership and adhere to their pre-election promises.

“The Government doesn’t want people speaking out against this legislation. I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion. It is unbelievable that the life of the unborn now appears to be only of secondary importance.

“I believe a new referendum is needed to let the people decide. What is the Government afraid of? The first referendum was held almost 21 years ago,” he said.

Councillor Keane said he doesn’t believe this is the right time to introduce legislation and feels it should have been left to doctors to decide when a termination is required.

Five councillors, Michael Kelly, James Breen, Pascal Fitzgerald, Joe Cooney and John Crowe remain undecided pending further clarification at the forthcoming Dáil Health Committee, while Councillor Michael Hillery declined to comment on the issue.

One of the most interesting findings of the poll was the call from Councillors Bill Chambers, Bill Slattery, Pascal Fitzgerald, Tommy Brennan, Pat Burke, John Crowe, Sean McLoughlin and Oliver Garry for a referendum on this divisive issue.

However, Councillors Johnny Flynn, Joe Arkins, Michael Begley, Cathal Crowe, Gerry Flynn, Brian Meaney, Pat Hayes and Tony Mulqueen felt a referendum is unnecessary.

While councillors from rural communities are in a majority in the local authority, 24 members felt it is necessary to legislate for the X case, in accordance with the recent European Court of Justice judgement and the Supreme Court ruling.

Independent Councillors Christy Curtin, Gerry Flynn, Patricia McCarthy, Michael Begley, Tommy Brennan and PJ Ryan are all supporting the need to provide legal clarity in the case of medical emergencies. They are joined by Fine Gael Councillors Bill Slattery, Johnny Flynn, Joe Arkins, Sonny Scanlan, Sean McLoughlin, Oliver Garry, Tony Mulqueen, Gabriel Keating and Pat Burke.

Fianna Fáil Councillors PJ Kelly, Richard Nagle, Pat McMahon, Cathal Crowe, Mayor of Clare Pat Daly, Tom McNamara, Pat Hayes and Brian Meaney are also supporting the bill.

However, Councillors PJ Kelly, Tom McNamara and Michael Begley expressed grave concern about the inclusion of the risk of suicide as a possible reason to support the termination of a pregnancy.

All of the councillors surveyed stressed they don’t want to see the introduction of abortion on demand, regarded themselves as pro-life and want protection when the life of the mother is at risk, while at the same time protecting the life of the unborn.