Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

I send deep condolences to the family and friends of Ashling Murphy on behalf of myself and of the Socialist Party and Solidarity. The horrific events in Tullamore are a wake-up call to Irish society and the reaction must mark a watershed for change. The death of Savita Halappanavar was a watershed moment but only because of a struggle for change that was then waged from below. Does anyone seriously believe that Ireland's political establishment would have organised a repeal referendum were it not for the ferocious pressure they were put under to do so? Similarly, does anyone really believe a political establishment that underfunds women's refuges, presides over the 999 calls scandal and has failed to produce a SAVI report for 20 years will tackle violence against women with sufficient determination unless it is compelled to do so? For this reason, I add my voice to the call made by Reproductive rights, against Oppression Sexism and Austerity, ROSA, the socialist feminist organisation, for an emergency conference of women's groups, trade unions, student groups, LGBTQ groups and others to now launch a nationwide campaign against gender-based violence. In conclusion, International Women's Day on 8 March should be turned into a day of massive protests on the streets of this country, including strikes, to say "No more; not one more death" and to put the Government under ferocious pressure on these issues.

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