TDs with conviction will pay high price

The initial debate on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill gave a good indication of just how big a revolt the Taoiseach faces over the issue.

At least four Fine Gael TDs have confirmed they have voted against it and at least seven more indicated they will hold their fire until they see what amendments can be made at committee stage.

The amendments they require to guarantee their support vary from the technical issues the minister might wish to accommodate to limit the loss of parliamentary party members, to substantive changes that have no chance of being agreed to.