Walsh claims abortion stance could end his political career

BY CIARAN TIERNEY

Galway West TD Brian Walsh has admitted that he could be putting his political career on the line by voting against proposed legislation which includes the risk of suicide as a grounds for abortion.

The Fine Gael TD confirmed to the Connacht Sentinel yesterday that he was in danger of losing the party whip after announcing he had a “serious issue” with legislation which allowed suicide as a reason for allowing a termination.

Deputy Walsh became the first Fine Gael TD in the country on Sunday to confirm that he would not vote for the proposed legislation, although he denied that his stance on the issue was a criticism of the leadership of An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.

He claimed the proposed legislation, based on the X Case judgement, was a “stepping stone to abortion on demand” and admitted that he faced the prospect of expulsion from the parliamentary party because of his views.

Deputy Walsh said abortion was “not an appropriate treatment” for a mental health issue, despite being aware that two referenda, in 1992 and 2002, showed the majority of Irish people rejected the removal of suicide as a ground for abortion.

His announcement has been described as a “complete disregard” for the health and lives of pregnant Irish women by the Galway Pro-Choice group, which has urged women not to vote for him in the next General Election.

“I am aware that this decision has been made at huge personal and political cost to me,” Deputy Walsh told the Connacht Sentinel yesterday. “This isn’t motivated by trying to win any kudos. It could well mark the end of my political career. But it is not anti-women, as I believe the life of the mother is paramount.”

Deputy Walsh said health professionals should be able to provide every necessary treatment in pregnancy to protect the life of the mother, without fear of reproach, and he also wanted to see the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 repealed.

He wanted the matter of “suicidal ideation” put to the people in a referendum, but could not vote for legislation for the X Case.

“Hard cases make bad law. X was doubtless a hard case and – while we await the publication of the Heads of Bill – it is likely that legislation codifying its deciding principles will make bad law,” he said.

Read more in today’s Connacht Sentinel