A chara, - The recent statement by Mary Banotti MEP raises very serious questions for the Irish people and Government. She told the Irish Catholic (February 21st): "I am happy to inform you that I voted for the Sandbaek Report (recommending the EU to provide millions of taxpayers' money to promote abortion in poor countries). And she added something very significant: "You will, of course, be interested to know that the Irish Government totally supports the Sandbaek Report and we have received a briefing to that effect." This means the Irish Government supports the funding of abortions in poor countries.
Is this not a shameful betrayal of their trust - and against the wishes of the majority in Ireland? Who gave the Government this mandate? Is it surprising that the satisfaction rate of Fianna Fáil has dropped considerably?
To her great credit Dana Rosemary Scallon MEP proposed Amendment 53 to prevent EU funds financing abortions overseas. Proinsias De Rossa helped defeat this saving amendment by voting against, as also did Mary Banotti, Patricia McKenna, Nuala Ahern and Joe McCartin, who were absent or abstained.
Surely killing the unborn and most helpless is the worst form of terrorism? - Is mise,
Father TOM INGOLDSBY,
Salesian House,
Ballinakill,
Portlaoise,
Co Laois.