A look at the Youth Defence Campaign in and leading up to the 1992 General Election, which was held on the same day as three Abortion Referenda
A Youth Defence Leaflet about two of their senior members Niamh Nic Mhathúna (now Niamh Uí Bhriain) and John Heaney meeting the Pope.
On Friday, 4th August 1995 Niamh Nic Mhathuna (Chairwoman) and John Heaney (Campaign Co-ordinator) of Youth Defence received an invitation to attend the Private Mass of His Holiness Pope John Paul II and afterwards to meet with the Holy Father at Castelgandolfo.
After Mass the Holy Father spoke to Niamh and John and gave them his undivided attention, stressing the importance of Youth Defence’s pro-life work. As the audience ended the Holy Father himself summoned the Vatican Photographers to record the event.
A Youth Defence Leaflet attacking Fine Gael and the possibility of them breaking the pro-life pre election promise. “They’re opening the door to abortion on demand. -Vote Fine Gael? Never Again.”
The leaflet also urges you to contact your local Fine Gael TD to pressure him/her on the issue.
A poster used by Youth Defence “Fine Gael – Every Child Matters” based on Fine Gaels Childrens Rights Referendum slogan.
From the 1992 Referendums on the Right to Travel, Right to Information and Abortion a Leaflet from Youth Defence /Pro Life Movement urging a No vote against all three.
Its interesting to see the arguments against Travel and Information.
More Abortion related leaflets
From around 2004 a membership leaflet from ‘Ireland’s only pro-life organisation for young people‘ Youth Defence.
According to the leaflet they have attracted more than 5000 members. There are commendations of Youth Defence (or YD) from amongst others The Evening Herald and Pope John Paul II.
It explains ‘What is YD?’ , ‘What Does YD Do‘ and ‘Why Get Involved?‘
Niamh Nic Mhathúna and Justin Barrett are amongst those Youth Defence members that have stood for election.
Dublin Central 1992 leaflet of Niamh Nic Mhathúna, involved in Youth Defence, daughter of Una Bean nic Mhathuna of “G’way ye wife-swapping sodomites’ fame. I gather she was involved in Coir too.
As the General Election was being held on the same day as the Abortion Referendum a higher than usual number of pro-life independents stood. Not many fared well. Niamh Nic Mhathúna polled 514 votes.
Dublin Central 1992 leaflets of Niamh Nic Mhathúna, involved in Youth Defence, daughter of Una Bean nic Mhathuna of “G’way ye wife-swapping sodomites’ fame. The Leaflets are actually printed by Youth Defence. She is also supported by ‘The Family Rights Council’ and ‘The Housewives Union’.
The State is ‘Anti-Mother’, looks like she reckons the EEC is anti family too.
Taken from the 2004 Euro Election campaign. Pro-Lifer and (former?) Youth Defence man Justin Barrett adds Immigration to his policy bow. “Demanding Irish People are given priority to all new jobs” and all sorts of other nuggets.
Irish Election Literature 
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