The widower of right-to-die campaigner Marie Fleming has hit out at the Taoiseach\u2019s refusal to legislate for assisted suicide here.<\/p>\n
The multiple sclerosis sufferer and her partner failed in a landmark court battle in April 2013 to legislate for end-of-life help.<\/p>\n
Eight months later, on December 20, the 59-year-old died in her husband Tom\u2019s arms at her home near Arklow, Co Wicklow.<\/p>\n
The 67-year-old said yesterday: \u201cIt was Marie\u2019s second anniversary last week and there has still been no movement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Supreme Court made its statement that there was nothing to stop the
\nOireachtas from changing the law.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo it is entirely up to our legislators to legislate for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Enda Kenny insisted any change in the law would have to be put to the Irish people.<\/p>\n
He explained: \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Marie\u2019s husband and father of her two children, told the Irish Mirror: \u201cIt doesn\u2019t need to be put to the people.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs was stated in the High Court, it doesn\u2019t need a referendum, there is no constitutional ban, so the constitution doesn\u2019t have to be changed. So all it needs is legislation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t surprise me he said that. When I spoke to him before he said very definitely it was something he and his party disagreed with.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut the last poll that was done showed 80% of people said they would agree with what Marie wanted.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut not only that, 53% said they would help someone in their family knowing it was breaking the law.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf that\u2019s not a mandate then what is?\u201d<\/p>\n
On the second anniversary of his beloved wife\u2019s death, Tom admitted Christmas has been tough.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve loads of good memories. We\u2019ve had some wonderful times together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Tanaiste Joan Burton said she\u2019d be open to a public debate on the right-to-die issue.<\/p>\n
The Labour leader explained: \u201cI would say based on the experience of the hospice movement we certainly could have and should have a debate on this.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The widower of right-to-die campaigner Marie Fleming has hit out at the Taoiseach\u2019s 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\u2019s arms […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n