Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

In the interests of balance and fair comment, the record of the House should show the results of a recent survey held of attitudes to abortion in Ireland in which over 75% of those polled were opposed to abortion. Most public representatives are reticent about getting involved in another debate on abortion, precisely because of the acrimonious nature of previous debates. The extreme comments and language used by a particular churchman when being critical of legislators are not helpful and do not create the calm atmosphere which Senator Norris desires. In fact, one need only look at the letters in the newspapers to find that they have created the opposite atmosphere. It behoves us all at this time to approach this issue in an exceptionally calm manner. My views are well known and are on the record of the House. I respect the sacredness of all human life, including the unborn, who have no voice.