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Women hold key for no vote victory, says Noonan
By Piaras Murphy
04/03/02: A high turnout of women in Wednesday's abortion referendum will result in the proposed constitutional amendment being defeated, according to Fine Gael leader Mr Michael Noonan.
Speaking this afternoon at the party's final call for a no vote before tomorrow's media moratorium, Mr Noonan said the result will depend on the composition of the turnout.
"Women are more likely to vote no on this issue; and if more women turn out than men then the proposal will be defeated," he said.
The Fine Gael leader called for a large voter turnout on Wednesday saying the issue was "too important to be ignored and left to others to decide". He urged a no vote describing the Government's proposals as both "flawed and unsafe".
Summarising the party's objections to the proposed amendment Mr Noonan outlined five reasons for voting no. He said it would be impossible to predict how the Supreme Court would interpret the new provisions and that the protection given to women by the X-case ruling would be removed.
He also claimed women who have abortions would be criminalised; the legal position of the morning-after pill and IUDs would not be resolved and that a dangerous distinction between the mental and physical health of women would be established.
Mr Noonan also reacted to comments by his predecessor Mr John Bruton who today told RTE radio he was in favour of the amnedment.
"There is no surprise on his position on this issue. He has publicly stated his position in the Dail already on this. Individuals in the party were told by me they could express their own views on this issue," he said.
He said he disagreed with Mr Bruton and criticised the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, for what he described as "mixed and contradictory statements to the British and Irish media" on the matter.
He said if the amendment was rejected on Wednesday then Fine Gael would introduce abortion legislation the next time it was in government.
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