Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are lessons for those of us in this House. There are questions for us as an Oireachtas - questions for all of us because on this issue, the people led and politicians followed. People in this House thought there were many different types of Ireland. People in this House said to me "ah, you might pass it in Dublin but you won't pass it in rural Ireland". That was untrue. People said "ah sure, the women might vote for it but you won't get it through the men". That was untrue. People said "ah, you'll just get it through the younger people but nobody else". That was untrue so I think we have a lot of self-reflection to do in this House. If we are the messengers of the people, I hope we heard their message, which was loud and clear.

However, I do not think we should stop right here because on Friday, Ireland addressed a complex and difficult issue with compassion and decency. I welcome the fact that the Taoiseach wishes to establish a citizens' assembly to examine all other issues relating to equality and fairness for women.

There is a movement under way in this country and those of us in the House would do well to hear it.

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