From Ireland: Kenny Hits Back at Church Threat on Abortion

The Taoiseach has decisively rejected an intervention by the Catholic Church on
 planned abortion laws, saying this is a republic and he has a duty to uphold its laws.

By Mary Regan, Political Correspondent 

 

“My book is the Constitution,” Enda Kenny said in a clear reference that he would not be dictated to by an interpretation of the Bible. “The Constitution is determined by the people, it’s the people’s book.”

He was responding to comments by the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Cardinal Sean Brady, who said that while the job of TDs and senators was to legislate, they don’t have the “power over life”.

Speaking at Knock Shrine in Co Mayo, where a vigil of prayer was held for the life of mothers and unborn babies, he said that politicians “say they have got it from the people but the people cannot give something that they haven’t got themselves, namely the power over life”.

Cardinal Brady said the Church was attempting to persuade politicians not to introduce the laws “in addition to doing good, we also have to oppose evil and to oppose a law that would take away fundamental rights from people”.

The Taoiseach responded that “it is a matter for Ireland and its people”.

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