A huge turnout is expected at the Rally for Life in Dublin today where entrepreneur Declan Ganley and other speakers will challenge Enda Kenny to put the abortion bill to the people in a referendum.
"We're expecting a great turnout, and the momentum to let the people vote on the Bill using Article 27 of the Constitution is growing fast," said Niamh Uí Bhriain of Life Institute. "This initiative came from within Fine Gael itself and has also been promoted by Colm Keaveney, so it's clear that the desire to let the people vote has support across the parties."
The pro-life spokeswoman said that many Fine Gael TDs, who were being bullied into supporting the abortion legislation, were supportive of the Article 27 proposal because they could not be accused of breaking the whip by signing the petition.
"This is not just about abortion, it's about democracy and letting the people decide on this hugely important issue," said Ms Uí Bhriain. "A recent Amárach poll told us that a huge 86% of people supported the right of the people to decide the issue by referendum. If Enda Kenny feels that he has the support of the people for the legislation then what is he afraid of? He should let the people vote."
She said 'Let the People Vote' was a major theme of today's Rally which is expected to bring Dublin to a stand-still as many thousands of people march from Parnell Square to oppose the Abortion Bill and demand an Article 27 referendum on the legislation.
Bands, face-painting, family fun and music will give a carnival-like feel to the Rally but the speeches at Leinster House will focus on the consequences for Fine Gael if the Bill is made law without consulting the people.
Close to 100,000 pledges have been signed by voters saying they will never vote for Fine Gael again because of the legislation. Niamh Ui Bhriain said that the time was "ripe for a new political alternative which would not betray serious electoral promises on matters of life and death".
Before the Rally for Life on Saturday, Archbishops Diarmuid and Eamon Martin will celebrate Mass in St. Savior's Church, Dominick St at 12.30pm. The Rally leaves Parnell Square for Leinster House at 2pm.
The Rally for Life is organised by the Rally for Life Committe and includes organisations such as Life Institute, Precious Life, Youth Defence and other pro-life groups.
Category | Abortion : Ireland
Published By | Life House
Comments on this post:
Comments(5)
Joan on Jul 6, 2013 8:42pm
Well done YD Precious life hosting All Ireland Rally for life Saturday 6th July Dublin, today our citizens stood united stood together and said, no to abortion bill, give us the people a vote in Referendum, This is issues is about human rights and also moral values as in our constitution- The Trinity that politicians must obey also 1916 proclamation says it all we cherish all our children, Includes unborn babies who are part of our human family from moment of conception to natural death.
The unborn babies is our new generation must be allowed to life not killed. Declan Ganley is correct in speaking up for right to life were all rights come from.
The 24 TDs are heroes who voted against abortion bill
Dublin was brought to stand still to day, we the people reclaimed Ireland and blessed our State.
HOPE IS HERE BECAUSE OF OUR WITNESSES FOR LIFE.
IRISH CITIZEN on Jul 7, 2013 10:16am
THE GOOD NEWS IS, IT WAS SUCCESSFUL RALLY FOR LIFE,
THANKS TO THE RALLY COMMITTEE.
OUR MESSAGE IS TO GOV LET THE PEOPLE VOTE
SAVE-OUR UNBORN CHILDREN AND MOTHERS.
KILL THE ABORTION BILL
"The main issues is about Human Rights"
Irish Citizens on Jul 7, 2013 8:20pm
The Irish Nation are faced with an fascist dictatorship leaders FG/LAB Coalition Government hanging on to power by their sharp teeth to force a dangerous abortion bill into Ireland. Media is pro abortion.
However many many witnessed more than 60,000 @ Rally for life, i noted were consistent, determined to ensure our people power freedom day to oppose abortion bill and seeking end to abortion.
We the people demand our right to vote on dangerous bill and we object to political Fascist dictatorship in Ireland.
Irish women group on Jul 9, 2013 1:35am
How shameful it is when Ireland has dictators like Enda Kenny abuse of power an exploiting people. Article 27 of Constitution gives us the people the right to vote on this dangerous abortion bill.
The worst part of bill is removal of 1861 Act offenses against the person leaves only Doctors protected to carry out abortions the whole 9 months and right right up to birth of babies and not be jailed for murder, which would destroy and corrupt medical professionals. when they have hypocritical oath to preserve life, and not injury or kill unborn babies and damages mothers, because abortion is wickedness and destruction of human life of innocence unborn babies.
The reputation of medical professionals would be severed as well as their souls, if they sit back and not object to abortion bill and seen to play GODS over life and death. trust between patient and Doctor finished.
Patricia on Jul 9, 2013 6:33am
Former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallon calls on Government to hold Referendum on their abortion bill. she says to decriminalise abortion was a contradiction of fundamental principle of the legal system, the principle that human life is to be safe guarded and defended at all times.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny says he has duty to to legislate was unfounded. when there was no legal or constitutional obligation for him or any other politicians to legislate for deliberate killing of unborn babies.
Ms Scallon said legislation was never included in election manifestos, she claimed that in rejecting 2002 Referendum on abortion, the labour party and Fine Gael voted to retain and protect existing statutory law 1861 Act offenses against the person Act section 58 and 59 also the 1979 Health Act. The taking of human life can never be justified and Government must let people vote on abortion bill. Article 27of Constitution he must invoke.
The Constitution belongs to the people.