Fianna Fáil remains split on abortion draft legislation

Fianna Fáil remained split on the Government's draft legislation on abortion yesterday despite strong signals from the party leadership that the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill should be supported.

A large group of Senators and some TDs expressed concern about the inclusion of a suicide clause during a four-and-a-half hour meeting of the parliamentary party, with some insisting they could not support the planned law in its current form.

Meanwhile, informed sources say Fine Gael continued to push for amendments to proposed Government legislation on terminations at Tuesday morning’s Cabinet meeting, despite denials by Taoiseach Enda Kenny that there were no difficulties between the parties.

Continuing differences between Labour and Fine Gael on the final text of proposals forced the adjournment of the meeting until that evening when agreement was finally reached, it has emerged.

Fianna Fáil did not adopt an agreed position yesterday but will return to the contentious issue after the Oireachtas health committee concludes fresh hearings on the Bill later this month.

Party leader Micheál Martin attempted to address a repeatedly expressed concern that “the floodgates would open” by pointing to the protection offered by the Constitutional article 40.3.3, according to a number of those present.

TDs including Dara Calleary, Éamon Ó Cuív and Sean Ó Fearghaíl, and the bulk of the party's Senators, voiced concerns. Deputies including Michael McGrath suggested a free vote on the issue, but Willie O'Dea and Niall Collins said the party should have a unified position.

"It's divided, with a slight majority against. It'll be hard to get a position," a party source speaking on the basis of anonymity said last night. Senators who spoke in favour of supporting the legislation's passage through the Oireachtas were Averil Power, Mary White and Ned O'Sullivan.

Health spokesman Billy Kelleher was given a list of queries to put to the Oireachtas health committee hearings. The concerns include the lack of a cutoff point for terminations.