ELN submission to Citizens' Assembly

European Life Network in a submission to the Citizens' Assembly has appealed for the retention of the 8th amendment and has included a link to the video prepared in conjunction with the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children as set out below

Appeal to uphold and cherish the 8^th Amendment: with video link

European Life Network calls on the Citizens’ Assembly to uphold the 8th Amendment and reject all attempts to legalise the killing of unborn children. In support of this appeal, we have prepared a video presentation (produced in partnership with the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children) featuring Irish people, and people of Irish descent, with specialised knowledge and personal experience of these issues. We ask the Assembly to view this video, available here: 

https://www.spuc.org.uk/news/videos/new/2016/november/act-now-protect-ireland-pro-life-8th-amendment

Despite false claims, the 8th Amendment simply recognises that unborn babies have a right to life equal to that of their mothers. Ireland’s maternal health record, among the best in the world, also reflects the fact that Irish doctors are trained to treat a mother and her unborn child as two equal patients. 

In this presentation, Raymond Cardinal Burke argues that a clause similar to the 8th Amendment should be in the constitution of every nation. He notes the dedication of Ireland’s Constitution to “the Name of the Most Holy Trinity, from Whom, is all authority and to Whom, as our final end, all actions both of men and States must be referred”. Through this dedication, Ireland provides a great example of a correctly ordered society.

Dr Patrick Fagan (Director of Marriage and Religion Research Institute) argues that when a nation starts to eliminate pain and suffering by eliminating people, there is no logical place to draw a line. Even limited relaxation of abortion law leads inevitably to widespread abortion. In the UK, the Abortion Act 1967, was not intended to introduce abortion on demand. Fifty years on, more than 8.4 million babies have been aborted. 

Evidence shows that abortion is physically and psychologically damaging, no matter where it takes place. Bernadette Goulding (Director of Rachel’s Vineyard, Ireland) who had an abortion herself, describes the trauma millions of women around the world have experienced following abortion. 

Former MEP’s Dana Rosemary Scallon and Kathy Sinnott highlight the huge international pressure on Ireland to introduce abortion.

Kathy Sinnott contrasts the terminal decline of European states as a result of low birthrates with the situation in Ireland. The repeal of the 8th Amendment would propel Ireland towards a similar demographic collapse. She also argues that seeking to dispose of children with life-limiting conditions or serious disabilities is modern day eugenics. 

Rebecca Kiessling, who was conceived in a violent rape, challenges the inherent injustice of punishing innocent babies for the crimes of their biological fathers.

Cliona Johnson tells the heart-rending story of her son John Paul who lived 17 minutes after birth. Their story offers a truthful and inspiring account of authentic compassion for the most vulnerable of all – unborn babies deemed “incompatible with life”.

Finally, the video calls on the Irish diaspora to speak out now and to encourage the nation to maintain its pro-life culture that is identified and admired worldwide.

Conference, November 12th, Royal Marine Hotel Dunlaoghaire: Protect and Cherish the 8th Amendment

IRELANDS PROPOSED ABORTION BILL WILLL ADVANCE ABORTION AS A HUMAN RIGHT says DANA

Dana Rosemary Scallon, former MEP for Ireland West, warns of the danger that the proposed legislation on abortion in Ireland will facilitate the transition in Europe and the agenda of the United Nations to establish abortion as a human right. Dana says that the right to life is enshrined and this is the objective of an abortion industry that seeks abortion as a human right, under the guise of health problems.

The 1861 Offences Against the Person Act is a law enshrined by an Irish government contained in the  Health Act 1979, Article 10: Nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorization -

(A) the obtaining of abortion,

(B) the doing of any other thing the doing of which is prohibited by section 58 or 59 of the Offences against the Person, 1861 (which section prohibits the administration of drugs or using instruments to procure abortion or the provision of drugs or instruments to procure abortion)

(C) the sale, import into the State, manufacture, advertising or display of abortifacients

Dana says that the proposed decriminalization of abortion, by the Irish Government 2013 abortion Bill, and abandonment of the only Statue law protecting life from the moment of existence, (the 1861 Offenses Against the Person Act sections 58 and 59), has been clearly identified for removal and opening the way to abortion as a Human right.

During the recent hearings in Dublin of the Committee on Health formed to discuss the Bill,  Ivana Bacic, Irish senator, said: "I'm glad it was stressed that the decriminalization could be achieved through the repeal of sections 58 and 59 of the Offences against the person;

"Dr. Rhona Mahony, the National Maternity Hospital, said:" It 'was in 1861 that crimes against the person, in particular sections 58 and 59, ruled that abortion was a crime in Ireland; "

Ms Orla O Connor of the National Women's Council of Ireland said" "the penal provisions of the law are an important factor for chilling ...

"Jacinta Fay Choice Ireland said," we recommend the repeal of sections 58 and 59 of that Act "

Ms Ailbhe Smyth Action X said," With her colleagues [Choice Ireland] and  [National Council of Women of 'Ireland] Action X asks the immediate repeal of sections 58 and 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, "

She went on to say," we agree with the opinion of the European Court of Human Rights and Dr. Rhona Mahony that chilling effect that the 1861 law is a significant barrier to women. "

This 1861  & enshrined 1979 law is a pro-life all Island law of Ireland, which combines the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland in the fight against abortion. Malta, like Ireland, also makes abortion a criminal offense. The Atorney General for Northern Ireland, John F Larkin QC, said October 16, 2012 that "abortion in Northern Ireland is a matter governed by the law ... criminal abortion in Northern Ireland is a criminal offense. . "

Dana pointed out that Irish politicians have both a duty and a right, under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights ["The right of citizens to express freely their convictions and opinions"] and Article 40 . 6. 1 of the Irish Constitution, ["The State guarantees liberty for the exercise of the following rights, subject to public order and morality:"] to ensure the freedom of expression with regard to the proposed Bill 2,013 Irish abortion.

Dana says that the Irish people, who are sovereign, should not be reduced to a state of "lobby group" and we have already rejected abortion in three referendums. The Irish  people must not be crushed or secularized out of the public square by a new moral order that seeks to impose its authority.

Dana commented on the uniqueness of the  Irish Constitution which states in its preamble:

In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity, from Whom is all authority and to whom, as our final end, all actions of men and States must be referred,

We, the people of Ireland,

Humbly acknowledging all our obligations to our Divine Lord, Jesus Christ, who suffered our fathers through centuries of trial,

Recalling with gratitude their heroic and unremitting struggle to regain the rightful independence of our Nation,

And trying to promote the common good, in respect of Prudence, Justice and Charity, so that the dignity and freedom of the individual may be assured, true social order attained, the unity of our country restored, and concord established with the other nations,

We adopt, enact, and give to ourselves this Constitution.

Dana also refers to Article 6 of the Irish Constitution:

"All the powers of government, legislative, executive and judicial, derive, under God, from the people, whose right it is to designate the rulers of the state and, ultimately, to decide all questions of national policy, according to the needs of the common good."

Article 40 ° 3.3 of Ireland’s Constitution

"The State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as possible, by its laws to defend and vindicate this law. "

Article 44.2. 1 of Ireland’s Constitution

"freedom of conscience and the free profession and practice of religion are, subject to public order and morality, guaranteed to every citizen."

Article 46. 2. Of Ireland’s Constitution

"Any proposal to amend the Constitution shall be initiated in Dáil Éireann as a Bill, and, upon having been passed or deemed passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas, be submitted by Referendum to the decision of the people in accordance with the law for the time being in regulations relating to the referendum. "

Dana says that the unique role that the Irish Constitution gives in the protection of life from the moment of its existence must not be set aside and that abortion must not be decriminalised.

Politicians, Statesmen and the legal system have a duty to be courageous and effective in their defence and promotion of the sanctity of Human Life – the foundation of all other Human Rights.

Irish Presidential Election Thursay 27th Oct

For whom do we vote?

On Thursday, 27 October, the Irish electorate will vote to elect a new President of Ireland, who will take office for the next seven years.

The Constitution of Ireland proclaims that the President ‘shall take precedence over all other persons in the State and … shall exercise and perform the powers and functions conferred on the President by this Constitution and by law.’  The Constitution further states that the President shall enter that office ‘by taking and subscribing publicly, in the presence of members of both Houses of the Oireachtas [parliament], of Judges of the Supreme Court and of the High Court, and other public personages, the following declaration:

‘ “In the presence of Almighty God I ……  do solemnly and sincerely promise and declare that I will maintain the Constitution of Ireland and uphold its laws, that I will fulfil my duties faithfully and conscientiously in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and that I will dedicate my abilities in the service and welfare of the people of Ireland.  May God direct and sustain me.” ’

That’s a serious declaration for anyone to make.

There are seven people who have put themselves forward in the upcoming election as a possible president.   But how do we decide who is the person most suitable to represent the Irish people and to guard the Constitution of Ireland?   The Constitution deals with many aspects of life in a State but, in particular, it deals in detail with the rights of the citizens.   These basic rights include the most fundamental of all human rights – the right to life, which, of course, includes the right to life of the unborn child.  Another most important right is that recognition given by the Constitution to the family founded on marriage, and the pledge of the State to protect the family founded on marriage against attack.  The State guarantees to protect the family in its constitution and authority as the necessary basis of social order, and as indispensable to the welfare of the Nation and the State.

Indeed, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Note on the participation of Catholics in political life [2002] warns that we cannot close our eyes to ‘the real dangers which certain tendencies in society are promoting through legislation, nor can one ignore the effects this will have on future generations.’ 

Now, who of all the seven candidates can truthfully (and the President must be truthful) say that he or she subscribes to the requirements of the presidency to uphold the Constitution?   Only one person comes to mind, and that person is Dana. All of the others want to change it in various degrees.

A Number 1 vote for Dana on Thursday next will show that we still have a conscience, and that we still respect the important things in life.

BAIL OUT FAMILIES NOT THE BONDHOLDERS Says Dana Rosemary Scallon

BAIL OUT FAMILIES NOT THE BONDHOLDERS

Says Dana Rosemary Scallon

There is a real crisis of trust, a crisis of fear and a crisis of confidence in almost every home.  “Middle Ireland” is reeling from mismanagement of those who profiteer. 

Governments have failed us, politicians have failed us and banks have failed us. We are in a time of crisis for families. We need to start looking after each other first before we look after the bondholders, banks and speculators. Families are suffering as jobs are lost, house values tumble and bills soar.

I will offer a Presidency that upholds values, trust, equity and fairness; one that supports the families of Ireland and ensures the most vulnerable are listened to. I will ensure that no government will be allowed to pull the wool over the eyes of the Irish people, subject families to penal times, facilitate a bail out foreign banks, speculators and the elite, or undermine our Constitution,” concluded Dana Rosemary Scallon.

Dana appearing on the Late Late show last Friday night promised as President to uphold the Constitution which is in fact vitally important at a time when the Government is setting up a Constitutional Convention and threatening to make significant changes to it

This theme was also reflected by Dublin's Archbishop Martin over the weekend when he made the following statement.

Our Constitution, Bunreacht na hEireann, is sometimes presented just as a fossilised child of its time; within its limitations, it has proven to be a document which was ably capable of guaranteeing rights and curbing power – including the power of the State - and has fostered a valuable culture of legal interpretation which has served the people of Ireland well. 
The Constitutional Convention which is to be launched soon must be a moment of true discernment. Renewal does not always mean discontinuity. Tradition is not outdated each new day. True values are different to fashion, where the fashion of the day can tomorrow be quickly out of fashion. Values must be rooted somewhere. They must represent a constant in society and what society aspires to.

Irish Presidential Election

The period for acceptance of nominations for the Presidency is closed and it is now evident that there are seven contenders for the office of President leading to the following Sky News report:

“Contenders for the Irish presidency include a former Eurovision song contest winner, an ex-IRA commander and a gay rights activist.”

The list of contenders is as follows: Dana Rosemary Scallon, Senator David Norris, Martin Mc Guinness Sinn Fein, Michael D Higgins, Labour, Gay Mitchell MEP Fine Gael,  Mary Davis former CEO of the special olympics ; and entrepreneur Sean Gallagher . We will report on the various personalities and their campaigns as they develop.

 

The reference to former Eurovision song contest winner refers to Dana Rosemary Scallon, who won the Europe-wide singing competition in 1970 and had a successful career as a television presenter and musician. Dana stood unsuccessfully for the post of President in 1997 however she made history in that election by opening up a new avenue for nominations to the Presidency by receiving the nominations of five county councils. While this was a constitutionally legitimate means of gaining nomination to compete for the presidency, the approach was unprecedented before her campaign. In the election she campaigned for family values, protecting the Irish Constitution and on Pro-Life issues.

In the 1999 European Elections Dana was elected to the European Parliament and served as an MEP for Connacht–Ulster until 2004, where as her record showed she continued the fight for Ireland, the Irish people and particularly the impoverished West coast of Ireland in Europe. 
Dana narrowly lost her European Parliament seat in 2004. 
In both Lisbon Treaty debates Dana supported the No side of the debates. She knew exactly what Lisbon would mean for Ireland in terms of loss of sovereignty on many fronts which is becoming more evident on a daily basis.

Dana's record speaks for itself. She's not afraid to stand up for what is right and she is certainly not afraid to stand up for her country her beliefs or the disenfranchised.

Dana for President?

The saga of the Irish Presidency and the list of contenders continues. Fianna Fail (FF) leader  Michael Martin already has egg on his face from his unsuccessful attempt to woo Gay Byrne to stand on the Fianna Fail ticket.

It is also public knowledge that Dana Rosemary Scallon approached Fianna Fail for support but if reports are to be believed rather than accept Dana, Martin would give Fianna Fail support to David Norris who was forced to quit the race for the park as a result of his support for a convicted paedophile.

Anthony Murphy editor of the Catholic Voice newspaper places this in context on Facebook 

I have been told on very good authority that at the last parliamentary meeting a number of the FF TD's and Senators wanted to nominate Dana Rosemary Scallon - Micheal Martin blocked this saying words to the effect "over my dead body" - now he is pushing for Norris. In other words Martin would rather endorse an advocate of a convicted rapist rather than an advocate of the family and the child. How this party has changed and how Dev must be turning in his grave!

 Perhaps it is high time for Fianna Fail to abandon Martin and seek a new leader

Dana considering Presidential run

The Irish Times reports today that former MEP Rosemary “Dana” Scallon is considering an attempt to get on the ballot paper for the presidential election this October,
The story continues

"[...]according to her brother John Brown who acts as her spokesman.“She is deliberating on the matter and is looking at it very seriously,” he said yesterday following Senator David Norris’s decision to withdraw.

Mr Brown said that Ms Scallon had come under great pressure from various elements in society to stand in the election. He said she had gone on a two-week holiday and would make a decision on whether or not to seek a nomination on her return.

Mr Brown said the message was coming through that the people wanted to decide who would be president and they didn’t want the decision made for them by political parties. To secure a place on the ballot paper Ms Scallon would need the backing of four county councils or 20 Oireachtas members.

She ran for the presidency in 1997 and secured her place on the ballot paper by winning a nomination from four county councils.

Ms Scallon finished third in that election behind Mary McAleese of Fianna Fáil and Mary Banotti of Fine Gael. But she was ahead of Labour Party candidate Adi Roche.

She picked up more than 175,000 first-preference votes in that poll, winning the support of 13.8 per cent of the electorate, and expressed interest in running again in 2004 but was unable to secure a nomination. President McAleese was automatically returned.

Ms Scallon was elected an MEP for Ireland West in the 1999 European election, but failed to retain her seat in 2004. She also ran in the Galway West constituency in the general election of 2002 but was not elected.

As an MEP she campaigned strongly against the Nice Treaty and against the abortion referendum proposals advanced by Bertie Ahern’s administration in 2001. The electorate voted No in both referendums but in the second Nice referendum in 2002 a majority voted in favour. [...]

Interestingly two straw polls in yesterdays Independent looked at the prospects of all candidates.
The first presented a list of candidates who have declared to date or who had expressed a wish to do so and then added a category "none of the above". The result of this first straw poll was that 43% chose the "none of the above" category.

The second straw poll asked if Dana entered the race would you give her your No, 1 vote. At the time of writing, this straw poll is still live and can be accessed on this link . Whilst there is as yet no final result the poll clearly shows that there is massive support for Dana.

DANA for President?

According to recent media reports we may see the name Dana Rosemary Scallon on the ballot paper as a candidate in the Presidential Election next November.

TV3 Report that Dana is currently considering her position with regards to this election

Miriam Lord writing in the Irish Times had this to say;

Meanwhile, strong but unconfirmed reports are reaching us about Dana Rosemary Scallon, who polled well when she ran for the presidency 14 years ago.

She was also one of the two politicians who tried but failed to challenge Mary McAleese’s uncontested return to the Áras last time out, the other being the former Green Party minister Eamon Ryan.

We hear that her supporters have been taking soundings about her prospects. Apparently she fared well in a private poll they conducted, so don’t be surprised if she throws her hat into the ring again.

 In1997 Dana made history by receiving the nominations of five county councils. While this was a constitutionally legitimate means of gaining nomination to compete for the presidency, the approach was unprecedented before her campaign. In the election she campaigned for family values, protecting the Irish Constitution and on Pro-Life issues.

In the election Dana came 3rd beating the Labour, Democratic Left and Green candidate Adi Roche with 13.8 % of the vote, 175,458. Our current President Mary McAleese won that election.

In the 1999 European Elections she become an MEP for Connacht–Ulster,

She continued the fight for Ireland and the impoverished West coast of Ireland over in Europe, as her record showed.

Dana narrowly lost her European Parliament seat in 2004. In both Lisbon Treaty debates she supported the No side of the debates. She knew exactly what Lisbon would mean for Ireland in terms of loss of sovereignty on many fronts

Dana's record speaks for itself. She's not afraid to stand up for what is right and she is certainly not afraid to stand up for her country her believes or the disenfranchised