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Today’s Irish Independent

Kevin Walshe writes:

Am I alone in being mystified by this “seismic shift”?This was entirely predictable and simply reflects public opinion and the view of the Citizen’s Assembly.

More importantly, are we seriously going to believe Fianna Fáil, would have kept to any principles that might lose them votes in Dublin? Now that would be seismic.

Anyone?/Fight!

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin backs repeal of the Eighth Amendment (Independent.ie)

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23 thoughts on “Ask A Broadsheet Reader

  1. ReproBertie

    FF voted 80/20 to retain the 8th at their last Ard Fheis. Micheál Martin has demonstrated a pro-life stance prior to this. For the leader of the second biggest party to change his stance and state his support for a position his party was clearly against is a pretty big deal.

    1. Martco

      blah blah blah / now then…what’s the most popular thing so I can say that & get votes at the GE & keep my job gravy coming / blah blah blah

      let’s not forget there’s only a handful of them in Leinster House who work by principle or belief, for rest see above

  2. Daisy Chainsaw

    I’d like to give him the benefit of the doubt, but

    1. he’s Meehole Martin

    2. He’s a Fianna Failure.

  3. Harry Molloy

    I don’t see why just should really matter what a politicians personal beliefs are anyway as long as they don’t let those beliefs interfere with the democratic process

    1. Brother Barnabas

      i’ve always found that odd, too, but politicians regularly act according to own beliefs over those of constituents / good of the country.

      eg – lucinda creighton resigned from FG in 2013 over her opposition to a FG bill on abortion rights. she was TD for dublin south-east at the time – one of the most liberal constituencies in the country, with polls showing 72% support for abortion rights. so she was putting her own beliefs ahead of those of her constituents – despite being elected to represent them.

      Irish politicians just don’t have much respect for the electorate

  4. TheRealJane

    I’m already sick of hearing old men talk about young women’s reproductive rights. There is a lot more opinion from men coming our way though, tidal waves of furrowed brows and manly thinking.

    1. some old queen

      Yes. The scale of the marriage vote gave FF an almighty kick up the aras. Being on the wrong side of two referendums in succession would do damage come election time.

        1. Brother Barnabas

          sat on the fence hedging bets until the result was clear

          then he was passionately outspoken in favour

        2. some old queen

          Very few were vocal on a No but some were silent on a Yes which is the same thing. FF are regarded as the Catholic party after all.

  5. newsjustin

    Its a big leap alright, from where he was – pro-life – to advocating for abortion for any reason up to 12 weeks.

    One has to assume he’s done it as a matter of genuine conscience and not a political move to out flank Leo.

      1. newsjustin

        Sorry. That was unclear.

        I meant, “I’d like to think/hope…”

        It’d strike me as ruthless in the extreme if he were willing to do an about turn on abortion to win the next election.

  6. Junkface

    Michael Martin believes whatever is most popular. He’s a populist politician from a populist party.

  7. www.linux.ca

    Or рerhаpѕ he likes bowling.? Leee continued.

    ?I heard someeone say that wһenever уou hear thunder, that means
    that God is boᴡlihg in heaven. I guess hhe iis аctually good at it.

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