Dying with Dignity Bill will likely pass as Sinn Féin confirms their support

Sinn Féin is the latest party to confirm its support for the Dying with Dignity Bill to allow terminally ill people to end their own lives.

The party now supports the approval of the second-stage bill, which will be debated in the Dáil in the coming weeks.

Eoin Ó Broin, the party’s housing spokesperson, confirmed that while there are “different views” within Sinn Féin on the matter, the party is backing the bill’s progression to allow it to enter a committee for scrutiny. pre-legislative.

“I understand that we are happy to support the bill in the second stage. This is a really big problem. We need a public debate and a national debate on this. There are different visions that are within our party, ”he said.

“There are also different points of view within the constituency we represent, but not having that debate is not a solution for anyone. So our opinion is that we think we should allow the bill to go through the second stage. So to have that full and frank discussion in the committee before deciding how to proceed, ”he said.

With Sinn Féin on board, most opposition parties and groups support the bill, with the exception of Aóntu’s leader, Peadar Tóibín, and members of the Independent Rural group.

Danny Healy Rae, Kerry’s TD and member of the group, said that he personally opposes the bill, saying he is very concerned.

“I was afraid that he would put the idea in people’s minds or that someone might influence them. And I would have other concerns. In my opinion, it’s not the right thing to do, ”he told the Irish Examiner.

“I was horrified, and I still am, and what was decided about little babies and I know people suffer and all that, it’s hard, it’s okay. But I’m afraid this is leading us to interfere with the natural process, ”he said.

The Independent Rural group will meet this week to formalize its position on the matter.

So far the Labor Party, left-wing independents and Social Democrats have all voiced their support for the bill.

The three government parties, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Los Verdes, have not yet formally decided their position on Gino Kenny’s proposed bill, the TD People Before Profit.

Sources within each party say there is a growing mood towards free voting, as it is seen as a problem of conscience.