REACTION OF CAMPAIGN GROUPS: The rejection of the referendum proposal does not mean that legislation should be introduced to allow abortion on suicide grounds, pro-life groups said yesterday.
Prof William Binchy, legal adviser to the Pro-Life Campaign, said it was important the referendum was not interpreted as an authorisation for legislation. His group had sought a Yes vote on the proposal.
The people had said No, Prof Binchy said, but what were they saying No to?
He said it was time to reflect on the meaning of the result. "There were some interesting divergencies between constituencies that don't lend themselves to easy explanation."
The Pro-Life Movement, which had also sought a Yes vote, said the No campaign was made up of very disparate interests and their victory did not mean that legislation for abortion on suicide grounds should be introduced.
Mr Ben Ó Floinn, spokesman for the group, said the failure of the proposal was "a victory for confusion" and the Government would have to learn a lesson from the way it conducted the campaign.
"Regrettably, a further round of consultations will have to be embarked on even though this was a product of consultation."
Mr Ó Floinn said another referendum was inevitable. It "remained to be seen" if the pro-life groups would resolve their differences and work together again.
The Pro-Life Campaign called on all pro-life groups to speak with a single voice when campaigning for protection for the unborn.
"It's important now that we make our voice clear and united so that the Government and the political parties will understand that this is a voice that must be heeded," Prof Binchy told RTÉ yesterday.
