Despite the fact Labour the junior party in Ireland’s
coalition government has previously declared that it is pro-abortion
many people within Labour are unhappy with that image and it has become clear in recent times that the party
is actually split on the abortion issue.
Senator Ivana Bacik insists that her party’s official position on abortion is "pro-choice" and Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte says Labour’s position is
well-established.
TÁNAISTE (Deputy Prime Minister) and Labour leader Eamon
Gilmore however, despite having made previous pro-abortion statements, has reportedly refused to
spell out Labour’s position on abortion before the Government-appointed expert
group reports next month. Mr Gilmore has also declined to say
if he agrees or disagrees with Senator Bacik.
Gilmore’s hesitation (or change of heart) appears to be due to
unrest within the party as recently expressed by party member Senator John Whelan.
Senator Whelan is reported as saying there are a variety of
views within the party.
“Pat Rabbitte summed it up when he said there was a broad spectrum of views within the Labour Party. I was glad he did note there was not just a single viewpoint,” Mr Whelan said. “Some of us resent the characterisation that the Labour Party is, if you like, pro-abortion. We don’t agree with that.”
Mr Rabbitte conceded this by acknowledging at the weekend that “pretty much
all of the parties” in Leinster House had differing views within their ranks.
