Fine Gael TD accuses colleague of ‘lies’ in abortion debate

Fine Gael concerns that the abortion referendum could ultimately tear the Government apart have been underlined after a party TD accused one of her colleagues of “lies” and producing “fake” facts on the issue.

Kate O’Connell made the allegation at the latest meeting of the Oireachtas Eighth Amendment committee after party colleague Peter Fitzpatrick claimed a referendum yes vote will result in abortion being used as “contraception”.

In the first openly politicised meeting of the committee, Louth TD Mr Fitzpatrick put forward research saying a foetus can feel pain in its early stages and has a heart beat within 21 days.