January 5, 2016
Tom Curran Calls on Irish Prime Minister to Change the Law
Irish Mirror by Blanaid Murphy
The widower of right-to-die campaigner Marie Fleming has hit out at the Taoiseach’s refusal to legislate for assisted suicide here.
The multiple sclerosis sufferer and her partner failed in a landmark court battle in April 2013 to legislate for end-of-life help.
Eight months later, on December 20, the 59-year-old died in her husband Tom’s arms at her home near Arklow, Co Wicklow.
The 67-year-old said yesterday: “It was Marie’s second anniversary last week and there has still been no movement.
“The Supreme Court made its statement that there was nothing to stop the
Oireachtas from changing the law.
“So it is entirely up to our legislators to legislate for it.”
But Enda Kenny insisted any change in the law would have to be put to the Irish people.
He explained: “We have had legal advice on that, it is not constitutionally possible. It would probably require a referendum but it is not one I am considering now.”
But Marie’s husband and father of her two children, told the Irish Mirror: “It doesn’t need to be put to the people.
“As was stated in the High Court, it doesn’t need a referendum, there is no constitutional ban, so the constitution doesn’t have to be changed. So all it needs is legislation.
“It doesn’t surprise me he said that. When I spoke to him before he said very definitely it was something he and his party disagreed with.
“But the last poll that was done showed 80% of people said they would agree with what Marie wanted.
“But not only that, 53% said they would help someone in their family knowing it was breaking the law.
“If that’s not a mandate then what is?”
On the second anniversary of his beloved wife’s death, Tom admitted Christmas has been tough.
He said: “The first went in a blur and it is hitting me an awful lot more now. I really miss her so much because we were so close. Every minute of my day was spent with her. But the family are great.
“I’ve loads of good memories. We’ve had some wonderful times together.”
Meanwhile, Tanaiste Joan Burton said she’d be open to a public debate on the right-to-die issue.
The Labour leader explained: “I would say based on the experience of the hospice movement we certainly could have and should have a debate on this.
“I am not talking about euthanasia, I am talking about an approach which respects the individual, their family and their dignity in circumstances in which their life comes to an end.”