Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I have been a Member of this House for 13 years. I have supported and endorsed many issues with which I agreed. I have supported other issues out of loyalty to the Whip rather than any conviction. It is difficult, however, to ask any Member to abrogate his conscience with regard to matters which he - or she for that matter- feels are issues of conscience that are not for compromise in their view. Several issues will emerge, not just civil partnership but also embryonic stem cell research, pro-life and abortion issues. There is a ream of social issues which will have huge impact on the development of our society. We need to be careful. Those who have a view contrary to a liberal agenda being pushed by others have a right to a free vote on such issues as have people outside the right to exercise freedom of conscience.