Labour TD says she has received hate mail and anonymous phone calls
A Labour TD who was temporarily expelled from the party over her support for an opposition fatal foetal abnormality abortion bill has said she has been targeted with abusive letters and anonymous phone calls for her views.
Wicklow-based Anne Ferris revealed the situation, saying she could "wallpaper" her rooms with the abuse she has received, during her party's pre-election ard fheis today.
Speaking during a Standing Up for Modern Ireland debate at the Mullingar Park Hotel in Co Westmeath, Ms Ferris said she has received "absolutely disgusting" messages in the year since she backed Independent TD Clare Daly's abortion bill.
"I get it by e-mail, I get it by letter, I get anonymous phone calls. These people who say they are Catholics and [that] what I'm saying is disgraceful, they are not Christian people.
Saying she could "wallpaper my room" with the abuse she has received, the Government backbencher added:
"I believe that women, especially in crisis pregnancies, don't need anybodies help. They don't need the church, men, political parties dictating to them.
"We have stories of women that we have listened to, and their husbands and partners, who had to go to eEndland. Women suffering with fatal foetal abnormalities. Women who are pregnant as a result of rape and incest.
"They are trapped in this country and the only resource they have if they want to terminate their pregnancy is to go to England. That is an absolute disgrace."
The comment was made as Labour supporters again backed plans to legislate to replace the eight amendment if they are returned to power.
Meanwhile, speaking during the same discussion, Clare TD Michael McNamara hit out at the party whip system which saw Ms Ferris temporarily expelled from Labour for her support of the opposition fatal foetal abnormality bill last year.
Mr McNamara, who admitted he has also fallen foul of the whip rule on separate matters, said the policy is contributing to a "Punch and Judy" Dáil which has no connection with the public and not allowing politicians to fully represent their constituents' needs.
