Why are Irish journalists again missing a movement?

Una Mullally: Why are Irish journalists again missing a movement?
Media appears unable to interpret political movements formed outside traditional party structures

Mon, Apr 16, 2018
Una Mullally

We are at that moment in a referendum campaign where stories, takes, and points of view need to be generated as commentary. Some will be insightful, others less so. Some will be deliberately provocative, some will be more concentrated on facts. Some will fulfil the most tedious trope in journalism, where criticism will be levelled at a campaign by those who substitute expertise and experience for a “hunch”.

There are more than two opposing campaigns under way, of course, multiple campaigns – particularly on the pro-repeal side – emerging from grassroots activism and active citizenship. As the media narratives weave themselves in knots, what I find especially interesting is how this referendum campaign is frequently compared to the marriage equality referendum campaign. Generally, this comparison follows two narratives.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/una-mullally-why-are-irish-journalists-again-missing-a-movement-1.3462385

Repeal campaigner accuses anti-abortion campaigner of ‘sustained attack’

Repeal campaigner accuses anti-abortion campaigner of ‘sustained attack’
Janet O’Sullivan issues statement to the media in relation to Save the 8th spokesman

Fri, Apr 13, 2018
Colin Gleeson

A prominent campaigner for the repeal side in the upcoming abortion referendum has accused the spokesman of the Save the 8th campaign of mounting a “sustained attack” on her through social media.

In a statement on Friday, Janet O’Sullivan, who also goes by Janet Ní Shúilleabháin, said the dispute centred on remarks she made on Twitter following the death of former Fine Gael TD Peter Mathews.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/repeal-campaigner-accuses-anti-abortion-campaigner-of-sustained-attack-1.3461253

Ireland – Most older women support abortion change, repeal campaigners claim

Most older women support abortion change, repeal campaigners claim
Questions from public centre on future legislation, say repeal campaigners in Sligo

Sat, Apr 7, 2018
Marese McDonagh in Sligo

With just seven weeks to go before the abortion referendum, campaigners on the Repeal side in Sligo this week say they found a big appetite for information and a high level of engagement as they went door to door.

Local artist Paul Murray reckons they had canvassed up to 400 houses so far, getting an overwhelmingly positive response. “But in fairness it was getting close to kick off in the Liverpool/Manchester City game when we were out on Wednesday evening so they may have been saying anything to get rid of us,” he said.

continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/most-older-women-support-abortion-change-repeal-campaigners-claim-1.3453335

Ireland – Long experience informs shifting views in abortion debate

Long experience informs shifting views in abortion debate
Members of older generation share thoughts on Eighth Amendment

Apr 4, 2018
Sorcha Pollak

Sheila and Paddy Donohoe, now in their 70s, voted in favour of the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution in 1983. There was never any question in their minds regarding how they would vote. They were strict Catholics and active members of the Legion of Mary. They had grown up in a conservative country which taught them abortion was a sin in all circumstances.

“We were Catholics, we didn’t practise contraception, we did everything according to the book,” remembers Sheila. “At one stage I would have gone to Mass and Communion every day and we always brought the children to Mass. Whatever the church more or less said we believed. There was no reason for us to doubt or think otherwise. We weren’t encouraged to ask questions. Everything was totally hidden, everything was kept secret.”

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/long-experience-informs-shifting-views-in-abortion-debate-1.3449443

Ireland’s abortion referendum signals progress for women – but north of the border under the DUP, things look grim

Ireland's abortion referendum signals progress for women – but north of the border under the DUP, things look grim
Many thought that the referendum on equal marriage in the Republic of Ireland in 2015 would encourage politicians to campaign for a similar change in the law in Northern Ireland. But the last couple of years has shown us that progress can suddenly stall

Caitlin De Jode
Tuesday 30 January 2018

“Essentially what we’re asking people to do is to allow us to change the constitution so that we can make changes to our laws – liberalise them, relax them, make them more compassionate… We’re asking people, now, to trust women.”

For thousands of Irish people watching a blurry YouTube live stream, or desperately refreshing Twitter last night, hearing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar say those words proved to be a surprisingly emotional moment.

Continued: http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/ireland-abortion-referendum-women-feminism-protest-dup-nothern-ireland-border-grim-a8185886.html

Irish film ‘Twice Shy’ is less about abortion politics, and more about love

Irish film 'Twice Shy' is less about abortion politics, and more about love

BY Jessica Marie Ruxton
July 10, 2017

The Film ''Twice Shy'' focuses on abortion and the struggles of an Irish couple's decision and journey.

The film was released across cinemas in Ireland on the 23rd of June of this year.

Along with director Tom Ryan, we see familiar Irish faces such as Pat Shortt, Ardal O'Hanlon, and Paul Ronan.

Continued at source: Buzz.ie: https://www.buzz.ie/movies-tv/irish-film-twice-shy-less-about-abortion-politics-and-more-about-love-245384

10.07.2017

Ireland: Abortion movement has been hijacked by the middle class

Abortion movement has been hijacked by the middle class
The Repeal campaign should be challenging political and economic inequalities
May 1, 2017
Kitty Holland

There was a poster in our house in 1983, used in the campaign that year against the proposed Eighth Amendment to the Constitution. I was 11 and thought it was beautiful.

It was a charcoal drawing of a young woman, her head in her hands in apparent despair. An infant at her feet, crying, tugs at her skirt. The slogan beneath read: “It’s life that needs amending. Not the Constitution.”

Continued at source: Irish Times: https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/abortion-movement-has-been-hijacked-by-the-middle-class-1.3066835

01.05.2017