TDs told not to look for Communion
SINGLED OUT: FG's Aine Collins was subjected to abuse from Youth Defence while on pilgrimage. Photo: Damien Eagers
SEVERAL government TDs have told how they were "discouraged" by members of the clergy from taking Holy Communion over their support for the controversial abortion legislation.
SEVERAL government TDs have told how they were "discouraged" by members of the clergy from taking Holy Communion over their support for the controversial abortion legislation.
A number of TDs, particularly in rural areas, said priests had warned them off from seeking Communion if they voted in favour of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill.
One deputy told the Sunday Independent: "I was approached by one priest recently and was told very clearly not to go to him looking for Communion that Sunday, as I would be refused."
Meanwhile, a large number of government TDs have claimed that they have been pilloried from the pulpit over their support for the legislation.
"One priest was threatening all sorts from the pulpit one weekend," one minister said. "Excommunication, direct threats came about us receiving Communion. It was outrageous."
The spokesman for the Irish bishops, Martin Long, last night said there had been no diktat about whether politicians should or should not receive Communion or whether they should be excommunicated.
- DANIEL McCONNELL Political Correspondent
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