bit of a socialist tradition, doesn't it? That might play into it. I don't know how Ireland historically has been. Come on, let's get real here. The fact that abortion is illegal obviously has a lot to do with the fact that it's such a heavily catholic country. That shouldn't even be a question. Ireland is one of the most religious countries in Europe. The Communists still have quite an influence here I believe, yes - you see it in the way local government is organised and how 'officialdom' works. I like it a lot, I think if I was an Italian I'd vote for them. I don't think you can just say abortion is illegal because Ireland is Catholic - my point was that Italy (where the Pope lives!) is just as strongly Catholic, but here it's legal and has been for some years. So what is it that's different about Ireland? That was my question. I think you answered your own question. Religion is very important, but so are politics. A country with a stronger communist/socialist tradition will naturally be more favourable to measures such as abortion. But yes, as a a general rule I very much think you cay say that Catholicism is the reason why abortion is illegal in Ireland. No doubt they would say that themselves. Obviously it's not the only reason, but it is the main reason. I'm sure the more right-wing Catholics in Italy are also opposed to abortion. Opposition to abortion is