The committee will likely end up recommending abortion in restrictive circumstances, writes Alison O’Connor

Rural Independent TDs have called for the Government to cancel plans to build a new national children’s hospital in Dublin city centre, warning the location will fail to help children and teenagers in genuine need.

Calls have been made on Michael Lowry to step aside from an Oireachtas committee because of his perceived links to businessman Denis O’Brien.

Independent TD Mattie McGrath has called on the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee to investigate the spending of more than €22m on a hospital which has not had overnight patients in several years.

Alan Kelly has said dealing with water charges was “very, very difficult” and he still fears for his personal safety.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has flatly ruled out relying on the support of Independent TD Michael Lowry to make up the numbers to form a government.

A host of Fine Gael TDs have spoken out strongly against the party doing a post-election deal with Independent TD Michael Lowry in order to form a Government, saying it would do enormous damage to the party.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has expressed full confidence in coalition partner Tanaiste Joan Burton, as the Labour leader faced Opposition claims of “cronyism” in appointing former trade union leader David Begg to a state board.

An attempt by former Fine Gael minister Michael Lowry to stop his trial on alleged tax offences is due to go before the High Court today.

Court told manner in which letter was revealed is prejudicial

Labour’s new deputy leader Alan Kelly has insisted that he expects a Cabinet seat in next week’s reshuffle.

President Michael D Higgins will next Monday consult with the Council of State on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill before deciding whether to refer it to the Supreme Court.

Comment on social media sites such as Twitter might come under stricter control, with TDs and senators set to examine potential measures.

JOURNALIST and broadcaster Sam Smyth was awarded legal costs in the tens of thousands against Michael Lowry after his successful defence of a defamation action against him by the Co Tipperary TD.

MANY Fianna Fáil backbenchers stayed away from their weekly parliamentary party meeting yesterday amid growing dissatisfaction with Brian Cowen’s reshuffle.

THE refrigeration company owned by former Fine Gael minister Michael Lowry, Garuda, saw pre-tax profits increase 13% to €515,871 last year.

Former Fine Gael TD Michael Lowry is reportedly unable to afford any further legal representation at the Moriarty Tribunal.

The Moriarty Tribunal has concluded its two days of public sittings and will return in October to examine the awarding of the second mobile phone licence to Esat Digifone.

Disgraced former Minister Michael Lowry is facing questions at the Moriarty Tribunal about two new documents, which suggest a plot to hide his involvement in a controversial property deal in Britain.