FF TDs to raise concerns over ‘leniency’ of abortion proposal

PRO-life Fianna Fáil TDs are set to raise their concerns over the ‘leniency’ of the forthcoming abortion legislation through the party’s health spokesman Stephen Donnelly.

The party was deeply divided on the issue before the successful referendum in May, with 21 of its TDs voting against the Bill that would allow the poll to take place, compared to 20 in favour.

That came despite party leader Micheál Martin being fully of supportive of repeal and the recommendation of unrestricted access to abortion for the first 12 weeks of a pregnancy.

The Irish Daily Mail contacted each of these 21 TDs to ask how they would vote when Health Minister Simon Harris brings his abortion Bill before the Dáil on Thursday. Fianna Fáil will not implement the party whip on the issue, leaving its representatives free to vote as they please. Just seven TDs responded to our enquiries, with only two indicating they would fully support the Bill.

Cork South-West TD Margaret MurphyO’Mahony confirmed she would vote in favour of the legislation, as did her fellow Cork deputy Aindrias Moynihan, who said: ‘While my own view on abortion remains the same, the people have spoken on the referendum and I won’t be obstructing the legislation.’

Sligo TD Marc MacSharry did not respond to inquiries but has previously indicated he will support the Bill. Declan Breathnach indicated he will support the Bill, but raised concerns over the ‘leniency’ of the 12-week proposal and hasn’t ruled out tabling amendments.

He said: ‘I will be raising the individual concerns of other constituents on the leniency of the proposed legislation, but will be doing so through the party health spokesperson, Stephen Donnelly, as requested by the parliamentary party.’ Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher, Eugene Murphy, Jackie Cahill and Éamon Ó Cuív responded to the Mail, but did not confirm their intentions. Mr Donnelly fully supported the repeal campaign.