Waterford TD John Halligan, who has campaigned on Ms Fleming’s behalf, said politicians will be forced to “look inside their souls” in relation to how the State deals with terminally ill patients. Mr Halligan insisted that he will propose assisted suicide legislation in a bid to address a “great injustice” faced by Ms Fleming. “Every TD in the Dail, including the Taoiseach, will have to lookinside their souls and examine their consciences as to what we should do when somebody, who is terminally ill, wants to die,” he said.
Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore said Ms Fleming would be remembered as a “brave and courageous” woman who left a lasting legacy by kick-starting a national debate. “Marie’s campaign on issues around the right to die was both brave and courageous,” said the Labour Party leader. “Marie successfully highlighted the complex issues that affect people who find themselves in a situation like hers, and the fact that her case has kick-started a national debate on these matters will be her lasting legacy.”
(from The Irish Independent)