TD seeks free vote for members on abortion

The “party strictures” in Sinn Féin mean many members who are opposed to abortion do not articulate their views, according to its justice spokesman, Peadar Toibin.

The Meath West TD was previously sanctioned for his failure to vote in his party’s Dáil private members’ motion calling for the government to legislate in line with the X case ruling.

He told delegates at the Árd Fheis at the weekend that the party’s policy “goes further in seeking that abortion be made available in Ireland” than what is provided for under that ruling.