Irish Sunday Mirror

SF votes to change policy on abortion

Party backs access up to 12wks

- BY CORMAC BYRNE

SINN Fein will support unrestrict­ed access to abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy after a landslide vote to change the party’s policy.

The issue was put to the ballot before Mary Lou Mcdonald’s first speech as leader at the annual ard fheis in Belfast yesterday.

Delegates agreed to the move after a 90-minute debate which saw over 50 speakers take to the stand.

The decision makes it likely the Government’s planned post-referendum legislatio­n will pass through the Dail and Seanad without rejection.

The outcome ensures all party representa­tives must advocate 12 weeks’ unrestrict­ed access to abortion regardless of personal views or they will face the prospect of being expelled.

While it was a landslide victory in favour of pro-abortion laws, a minority of party members spoke in favour of pro-life positions.

They strongly backed members Carol Nolan and Peadar Toibin who will either have to ignore their personal views or leave the party.

During a linked motion, Sinn Fein delegates also voted by at least a five-to-one split to oppose any introducti­on of a conscience clause for members.

Earlier yesterday Aengus O Snodaigh revealed Sinn Fein would drop their threat of a no confidence motion in the Housing Minister. The Louth TD said: “There is no plan to have a vote of no confidence, despite us not having confidence in Eoghan Murphy or this Government.

“Before the summer, there is no other Sinn Fein private members’ time available for any other motion.”

Labour senator Kevin Humphreys slammed the party’s choice to cancel the no confidence motion, claiming they had “got cold feet at the last moment”.

He added: “Having exploited the prospect of tabling a motion for some weeks I am disappoint­ed Sinn Fein have now bottled it.”

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 ??  ?? PROTEST Belfast rally yesterday
PROTEST Belfast rally yesterday

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