Leo set to ‘kick off ’ Yes campaign at FG event

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar is this weekend expected to make a ‘significant intervention’ in the abortion campaign, as he is set to participate in a pro-repeal Fine Gael event in Dublin.

The event is due to take place on Saturday in the capital, and members of Fine Gael who are in favour of repealing the Eighth Amendment will be invited to attend, as well as members of the civic society pro-choice groups who the party is working closely with.

A source said this event – which is also expected to be attended by Health Minister Simon Harris and Arts Minister Josepha Madigan – is set to be the ‘official kick-off’ of the efforts of those in the party who are campaigning for a Yes vote in the May 25 referendum.

It is understood the party and its leadership are very conscious that there are differing views on the issue within Fine Gael, and that members have a freedom-of-conscience vote – meaning the party has not adopted an official position.

But this event is for those within the party who do wish to campaign in favour of repealing the Eighth Amendment, which gives equal protection to the life of the mother and the unborn child. Minister Madigan was recently announced as the party’s campaign coordinator.

Fine Gael also recently confirmed it will not be erecting posters as part of its campaigning efforts ahead of the referendum.

Meanwhile, RTÉ has confirmed it will host two televised debates ahead of the polling date next month.

The debates on the Eighth Amendment will be hosted on the broadcaster’s two flagship current affairs shows, Claire Byrne Live and Prime Time. It is expected they will take place approximately two weeks before polling day.