Madam, - Breda O'Brien's perceptive article on the contradictions in Bertie Ahern's supposed pro-life stance is most interesting (Opinion & Analysis, July 29th). As she says: "Who would have guessed that a significant part of his legacy might be presiding over progressive erosion of protection for the earliest stage of human life"?
Who indeed? It may be acceptable politically to ignore the pro-life vote, but a party which proclaims itself to be pro-life and then decides that the most vulnerable of all are not worth protecting can hardly expect to be respected. I have long claimed that politicians follow the people and if they were any different they would not be elected. In this instance it will be interesting to see if the instincts of the Fianna Fáil leaders are correct, when they seemingly assume that not enough people care enough to have the unborn protected.
The so-called "liberal" view on this topic is so well represented in the media that politicians may assume the people are in agreement. Hopefully, when it comes to the election the people will prove that they are not just interested in the "bread and butter" issues but consider that the most basic right of all - the right to life - is worth protecting. - Yours, etc,
Mrs MARY STEWART, Ardeskin, Donegal Town.