Anne Ferris rejoins parliamentary Labour party

Wicklow TD Anne Ferris has rejoined the parliamentary Labour party (PLP), five months after she lost the party whip over a vote on abortion.

Ms Ferris lost the Labour whip in February when she voted against the Government on a private member’s motion from Independent TD Clare Daly, which called for abortions in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities.

Her application to rejoin the Labour ranks was agreed unanimously by the parliamentary party, and she is likely to stand for Labour in the general election.

Tánaiste Joan Burton said it is “great” to have Ms Ferris back.

“She is a great friend and colleague and has been an inspiration to us all when it comes to issues such as adoption and women’s rights.”

Party whip Emmet Stagg said: “Although outside the PLP, Anne has remained a party member and hasn’t voted against us since she lost the whip in February.”