Three main party leaders stay tight-lipped, while Labour nails its colours to the mast

THE Irish Daily Mail asked the main party leaders whether they supported unrestricted access to abortion up to 12 weeks, and if the limit should be longer in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities. Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar: The Taoiseach declined to answer the questions but said he would consider the report when published. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin: Mr Martin declined to directly address our questions. A spokesperson commented: ‘The party leader has made it clear that every member is free to express their personal view on this sensitive issue. ‘The leader will examine the conclusions of the committee, and the proposals that will now come from Government, and make clear his own view on what is being proposed.’ Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams: A spokesman for Mr Adams, who was in the Dáil chamber for a significant period last night, said he had commended the Committee on its deliberations and outcomes.

He said he was unable to speak as to Mr Adam’s personal beliefs, ‘but you can take it [that] you would not be able to put a cigarette paper between his position and that taken by the Sinn Féin representatives on the Committee.’

Those SF reps voted in favour of abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities, but abstained on free access up to 12 weeks. Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin: A spokesman said: ‘The Labour Party supports the position taken by Jan O’Sullivan at the Committee on our behalf, and Brendan Howlin supports the recommendation on 12 weeks without restriction. ‘Labour supports terminations in the case of fatal foetal abnormalities beyond 12 weeks. Brendan is in agreement with the Labour Party’s position and those views advocated by Jan at the Committee on our behalf.’