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19th May 2018

WATCH: Comedian David O’Doherty posts heartfelt video message in support of repealing the Eighth Amendment

Dave Hanratty

“We have an opportunity to make Ireland into a more kind and compassionate place for our sisters and friends.”

Popular Irish funnyman David O’Doherty has shared a short, heartfelt video – his first official vlog, and the only one he intends to ever create – declaring his support for repealing the Eighth Amendment, and encouraging others to vote Yes on Friday 25 May.

The Dublin comedian used his Twitter account on Saturday night to post the message, noting the “very earnest” nature of his words.

“This Friday, we have an opportunity to make Ireland into a more kind and compassionate place for our sisters and friends, who, for whatever reason, may find themselves in a crisis pregnancy,” he began.

“A lot of people are going to vote No. They want the situation that we have at the moment to stay the same,” O’Doherty continued.

“But if you can find a place in your heart, even if you personally disagree, but just can see how other people – maybe in a circumstance completely different to yours – might have a different perspective, then please join me in voting Yes to repeal the Eighth Amendment of the Irish Constitution,” he concluded.

His words come just days before the country will vote on a referendum to repeal or retain the Eighth Amendment, with a recent Irish Times opinion poll illustrating a slight decrease in support for the Yes vote.

On Tuesday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar ruled out the possibility of a second referendum taking place, regardless of the outcome.

“I am a democrat and I have to accept the outcome of a referendum and elections,” Varadkar said.

“[There will not be a second referendum] in the foreseeable future, certainly not under this Government.”

This week also saw the emergence of aggressive tactics from pro-life groups, including defacing the northern side of Ben Bulben in Sligo with a giant ‘NO’ sign and erecting a series of white crosses along the roadside between Bridge End and Letterkenny in Donegal.

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