Renua Ireland leader John Leahy challenged Leo Varadkar to “come out from behind the shadows of his army of spin-doctors and debate us on the forthcoming referendum.”
Mr Leahy was speaking at the launch of RENUA Ireland’s campaign to save the 8th Amendment in Dublin today.
In a bold and forthright speech, he said: “RENUA Ireland is calling for this debate because we are the only party which opposes the introduction of abortion on demand. If the Taoiseach believes in abortion on demand, he should come out and debate the issue publicly with me.”
Mr Leahy added: “The public have a right to hear both sides of the debate in a public forum rather than the spin and PR tricks which have characterised this Government since he became Taoiseach.
“If he wants to destroy Ireland’s traditional values and eradicate the rights of the unborn, he should at least have the courage to come out and take part in a public debate. I am ready to take him on at a date and time of his choosing.”
RENUA Ireland also unveiled their plans to take their campaign for a No vote to the streets and back roads of Ireland in a national tour.
Also speaking at the launch, Party Chairperson Michael O’Dowd said: “our campaign theme of ‘Be My Voice’ signifies our determination to speak for the unborn child. Abortion Discriminates and we believe no child should be left behind. From now until the 25th May, we will be taking this message across the country.”
RENUA Ireland’s Nicola Daveron also warned; “our key belief is that abortion costs; it damages our unique culture of respect for human rights.”
“Abortion, she added; is the human rights issue of our generation.”
Mr Leahy meanwhile called upon people who are pro-life to step forward and join with him in having a united voice against those who are challenging Ireland’s traditional values. He said; “We will be campaigning hard right across the country in the coming weeks. I urge the people of Ireland to come out and say, ‘no more’ to the Dublin 4 elite who want to destroy our culture, our values and our respect for human rights.”