TD assured he will not be excommunicated for backing abortion laws

A Mass-going North Cork TD has been given assurances by Church leaders that he will not be excommunicated for supporting the abortion legislation.

Tom Barry, a father of three who has spoken of his anti-abortion views, wrote to the papal nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown and Cardinal Sean Brady over the Government’s abortion legislation.

Three Fine Gael parliamentary members — Peter Matthews, Fidelma Healy- Eames, and Brian Walsh — said they will not vote with the Coalition.