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| From: http://www.newstalk.ie/2011/news/6higgins-tops-latest-poll-ahead-of-presidential-election40/ |
From Family & Life, 24th October 2011:
‘Higgins Denies He Supports Abortion
Michael D Higgins, the Labour Party candidate in Ireland’s presidential election was forced to defend his views on abortion yesterday. He said it was a “false accusation” to say he was in favour of abortion—and pledged to implement whatever legislation was put before him as President as long as it was constitutional. He declined to reveal his personal beliefs about abortion in a move that indicated his wish to avoid alienating voters. But he said he was always concerned for the life of the mother.
Michael D Higgins, the Labour Party candidate in Ireland’s presidential election was forced to defend his views on abortion yesterday. He said it was a “false accusation” to say he was in favour of abortion—and pledged to implement whatever legislation was put before him as President as long as it was constitutional. He declined to reveal his personal beliefs about abortion in a move that indicated his wish to avoid alienating voters. But he said he was always concerned for the life of the mother.
Mr Higgins’ party has a pro-abortion policy. Before the last general election, party leader Eamon Gilmore expressed a desire for legislation that would allow abortion, effectively on demand.’
From The Pro Life Campaign, October 25th, 2011:
‘Michael D Higgins ... did not reply to the Pro Life Campaign. [He] supports legislation for abortion based on the X case ruling. That decision heard no medical evidence and set no time limits for when an abortion can take place in pregnancy. If legislated for, it would de facto allow for abortion on demand.’
From Life Institute, October 26th, 2011:
‘Perhaps what was most interesting about the responses of the other candidates [than Dana] was that even two who have openly in favour of abortion previously clearly consider that taking a pro-life position is a vote winner.
At a time when we're constantly being told that legal abortion is a requirement for a ‘changing Ireland’ it's pretty obvious that recognising that the majority of people are, in fact, pro-life becomes a cold, hard, political reality for candidates who want to win popular support.
Earlier we asked the candidates their position on abortion so that we could share that information with you.
We've listed their comments and/positions here in the order in which they were received [Michael D.’s was 4th]. The Life Institute also notes that, while the Labour Party openly supports the legalisation of abortion-on-demand in Ireland, their candidate is eager to avoid being seen as pro-abortion in this campaign.
Micheal [sic] D. Higgins said his position was as outlined on the Pat Kenny Show where, when asked if he was “pro-life or pro-choice” he said: “I think that in relation to the woman she is entitled to protect her health, and equally we have to have rights for the foetus.”
“As President, I respect the view of the Supreme Court, I respect the role of the legislature, if legislation comes before me I would certainly not be imposing any views of my own on in relation to it. It wouldn't be appropriate.”
COMMENT: The Labour Party's leader, Eamon Gilmore, said on RTÉ's News at One that the party wished to introduce abortion to Ireland based on the British model.’
Earlier we asked the candidates their position on abortion so that we could share that information with you.
We've listed their comments and/positions here in the order in which they were received [Michael D.’s was 4th]. The Life Institute also notes that, while the Labour Party openly supports the legalisation of abortion-on-demand in Ireland, their candidate is eager to avoid being seen as pro-abortion in this campaign.
Micheal [sic] D. Higgins said his position was as outlined on the Pat Kenny Show where, when asked if he was “pro-life or pro-choice” he said: “I think that in relation to the woman she is entitled to protect her health, and equally we have to have rights for the foetus.”
“As President, I respect the view of the Supreme Court, I respect the role of the legislature, if legislation comes before me I would certainly not be imposing any views of my own on in relation to it. It wouldn't be appropriate.”
COMMENT: The Labour Party's leader, Eamon Gilmore, said on RTÉ's News at One that the party wished to introduce abortion to Ireland based on the British model.’
From Family & Life, 27/10/2011:
‘LifeZinie [sic] No. 914: 27th Oct 11
Where the Presidential Candidates Stand on the Big Issues
As voters go to the polls, many of the candidates in today’s presidential election hold views on key ethical issues, like abortion, … which remain unclear, even after weeks of intense media scrutiny, writes Rory Fitzgerald in the Irish Catholic. Labour’s Michael D Higgins has refused to clarify his position on abortion, despite calls to do so in the wake of Dana’s comments that Mr Higgins was “pro-abortion”. … While he was a member of the Dáil, Mr Higgins called on the then Fianna Fáil-led government to introduce abortion in 2001. Rachel Byrnes of the Pro Life Campaign told The Irish Catholic that “Mr Higgins is obviously trying to downplay his support for abortion legislation in the run up to the presidential election. Over his long career, he has taken many laudable stands on human rights, but on the most fundamental human right, the right to life, he has refused to defend the rights of the unborn child at any stage throughout the nine months of pregnancy. He has also ignored the mounting medical evidence highlighting the significant negative effects of abortion for many women”, she said. The Irish Catholic. October 20.’
Where the Presidential Candidates Stand on the Big Issues
As voters go to the polls, many of the candidates in today’s presidential election hold views on key ethical issues, like abortion, … which remain unclear, even after weeks of intense media scrutiny, writes Rory Fitzgerald in the Irish Catholic. Labour’s Michael D Higgins has refused to clarify his position on abortion, despite calls to do so in the wake of Dana’s comments that Mr Higgins was “pro-abortion”. … While he was a member of the Dáil, Mr Higgins called on the then Fianna Fáil-led government to introduce abortion in 2001. Rachel Byrnes of the Pro Life Campaign told The Irish Catholic that “Mr Higgins is obviously trying to downplay his support for abortion legislation in the run up to the presidential election. Over his long career, he has taken many laudable stands on human rights, but on the most fundamental human right, the right to life, he has refused to defend the rights of the unborn child at any stage throughout the nine months of pregnancy. He has also ignored the mounting medical evidence highlighting the significant negative effects of abortion for many women”, she said. The Irish Catholic. October 20.’
As quoted in The Irish Daily Mail, 29th October 2011:
‘In relation to the life of the mother, I think the State has to face up to its responsibilities and legislate for the life of the mother, however complex it is.
[Asked if he agreed with the right to abortion] I think it depends in the termination time. It depends on the case. I think the woman has the right to protect her health. I’m in favour of legislation that will not put any risk on the mother’s health.’
(Rather ironically, this is printed directly below a picture of MDH himself as a baby!)
[Asked if he agreed with the right to abortion] I think it depends in the termination time. It depends on the case. I think the woman has the right to protect her health. I’m in favour of legislation that will not put any risk on the mother’s health.’
(Rather ironically, this is printed directly below a picture of MDH himself as a baby!)
If you want direct links to any of the above articles, ask me!
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