22.11.2010 PLC obtains pro-life commitments from candidates in Donegal SW By-Election

22nd November 2010

PLC obtains pro-life commitments from candidates in Donegal SW By-Election

The Pro Life Campaign wrote to the candidates in the Donegal South West by-election seeking commitments that, if elected to the Dáil, they would:

• Oppose legislation allowing abortion in Ireland

• Support laws to protect human embryos against deliberate destruction in clinics and laboratories

The replies received so far are:

Fianna Fáil – Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill has given a written personal commitment to oppose any legislation that would make abortion available in Ireland and supports a law to protect the human embryo from deliberate destruction.

Sinn Féin – Senator Pearse Doherty has given a written personal commitment to oppose any legislation that would make abortion available in Ireland and supports a law to protect the human embryo from deliberate destruction.

Fine Gael – Councillor Barry O’Neill did not directly answer the questions put to him by the Pro Life Campaign but provided the following statement:

“For Fine Gael the dignity of the human being is central; we regard the human being as the subject, not the object of history. This brings us to respect human life in all its forms and at all stages and to respect human dignity in medical and genetic advancements.”

Labour – Councillor Frank McBrearty still has to reply to our questions.   However, the official Labour Party policy supports abortion being made available in Ireland.

Ms Ann Sweeney (IND) has given a commitment, if elected, to oppose abortion legislation and support a law to protect human embryos from deliberate destruction.

Councillor Thomas Pringle (IND) replied but did not give a commitment to oppose abortion legislation or support a law to protect human embryos. He did say however that he “did not believe abortion is a solution for a crisis or unwanted pregnancy”.