FF deputy leader defends his decision to address 8th amendment meeting

THE deputy leader of Fianna Fáil, Dara Calleary, has defending his decision to agree to address a public meeting, entitled 'Protect Babies from Abortion on Demand', in Castlebar next Sunday.

The Ballina-based TD said he was invited to speak before his appointment as deputy leader of the party and has no problem in doing so despite having an opposing view on the referendum to his party leader, Deputy Michéal Martin.

He said the situation may point to a division or split betwen him and his party leader, but that is far from the case.

“Fianna Fáil is a broad church and many elected and non-elected members hold different views on the upcoming refereundum. Deputy Martin was fully aware of his position on the matter before he appointed me his deputy leader.

“So contrary to some political speculation, this is not an issue whatsoever for the party or for Deputy Martin and myself. I am glad to get the opportunity to make that clear.

“My views on the referendum are already widely known and I look forward to outlining them at next weekend's meeting.”

Other speakers at the meeting at the TF Hotel, Castlebar, on Sunday, from 6 p.m., are Declan Ganley, Niamh Uí Bhrian, Dr. Fidelma Healy Eames and Deputy Peader Tóibin, Sinn Fein.