It’s noteworthy indeed to see Michael Healy-Rae TD, who leads the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Assisted Dying, together with Robert Troy TD and Senator Rónán Mullen, prioritise personal judgement over established procedure. In defiance of the “majority report” and to the visible irritation of some political factions, they suggested in a minority report that the existing prohibition on assisted dying should remain intact, and there ought not to be any amendments to the Criminal Law Suicide Act 1993 (News, March 20th).
Though a marginal and differing opinion, it echoes the convictions of myriad health professionals and the wider voting population. In light of this, it is appropriate to summon the wisdom of the esteemed 19th-century U.S. philosopher, poet, and conservationist, Henry David Thoreau: “Should the citizen ever, even briefly or slightly, surrender his conscience to the lawmaker? Then what purpose does an individual’s conscience serve? I believe we should identify as humans first and subjects later.” – Yours sincerely,
MARY ELLEN HAWKEY,
From a pint at the Aviva to dinner at Roly’s, followed by a Dart ride home. Since when hasn’t that been indicative of a ‘genuine’ rugby supporter’s experience?
Wexford.