It was a moment most politicians and almost all observers were not expecting - Micheál Martin’s unambiguous Dáil statement that he would vote to change the constitution.
The term 'journey' is a clichéd one in political parlance but it does go some way to explaining the Fianna Fáil leader’s altered opinion on the abortion laws.
There has been a consistent line throughout his political life where he has opposed significant changes to these laws.
But he said today that politicians need to question their views and to respond to new information.
He spoke too about the need to show compassion.
Speaking earlier this week he said that he had spent Christmas studying the submissions made to the Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment.
He looked at three areas: medical analysis, advocacy groups’ testimony and legal advice.
This work paved the way for a definitive judgement on how he would vote in a constitutional referendum.
It also meant that he has, for the most part backed, the Oireachtas Committee’s proposal to allow unrestricted abortion up to 12 weeks.
However, he said proposals must be brought forward to say how this would operate.
Despite his rigorous analysis of the facts, he must have been aware that his views do not chime with those of many within his party.
Indeed it seems he’s in a minority in his parliamentary party and the wider party.
Last October Fianna Fáil members backed a motion "to oppose any attempt to diminish the constitutional rights of the unborn" at the party’s Ard Fheis.
Delegates voted by three to one in favour of the motion from the Kildare North constituency.
Yet the party leader’s position now differs considerably from this motion.
Shortly after he made his intentions known in the Dáil chamber, the Fianna Fáil leader tweeted something that showed his awareness of this fact.
I’m conscious that not everyone will agree with the view that I have come to on the 8th Amendment, but it is my honest view of what I think is the right thing to do. As a country, we owe it to each other to have a compassionate debate.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 18, 2018
Crucially Mícheál Martin’s Dáil comments mean that Leo Varadkar is now the only party leader not to make his personal views on the current debate.
But unquestionably his statement will make some in Fianna Fáil extremely uncomfortable.
However it does show a decisive stance by Mr Martin on one of the most emotive societal issues.
This is significant especially give the accusation often made by his political opponents that he is unable to make a decision.
Those close to the Fianna Fáil Leader say it’s clear his comments are focused on the greater good of society rather than party interests.
They hope this will ultimately mollify many elements in the party who are deeply troubled by their leader’s changed view.
