Cllr Jane Horgan Jones appointed as Labour Director of Elections for Referendum
Brendan Howlin warns against complacency.
On the recommendation of Labour Party Leader Brendan Howlin TD, Cllr Jane Horgan Jones was appointed as the Director of Elections for the Referendum campaign to repeal the 8th amendment at a meeting of the Party’s Executive Board in Dublin today.
Cllr Horgan Jones has been chairing the Party’s campaign committee since September 2017.
Commenting on the campaign to date Mr Howlin warned against any complacency on the Yes side.
Deputy Howlin said:
“We’ve got off to a good start with our Labour posters playing an important role in matching that early initiative from the No side.
“But there is a long way to go on this campaign and we will need to work hard over the next five weeks until 25th May.
“The campaign on the Yes side to date has been positive and respectful. It is critical that that remains the case.
“There are a number of trends I think emerging.
“The sense of simplicity that marked the 1983 campaign is now gone. People on both sides of this debate know it to be a complex one. Those who have not yet made up their minds are listening intently to the discussions and debate. Speaking to these people in a way that respects their doubts is of the paramount importance.
“I think people realise too that the discussion is not just about their own attitudes to the amendment. A second question has entered the fray. Many people who might instinctively be on the No side are asking themselves whether their own views should be imposed on others in our highest law. And I think they are answering that question too with a No.
“There are also those who while uncertain about aspects of the proposal who recognise the plight faced by others and understand that the law needs to be both compassionate and remove any doubts about the safety of women in difficult circumstances. I think these people understand that the 8th has to go.
“This campaign can and will be won but it will not be easy and nothing should be taken for granted.”