Kenny offers one-to-one meetings on legislation
His commitment to parliamentary members was made during the party’s five-hour meeting in Leinster House this week.
Health Minister James Reilly confirmed yesterday that Fine Gael TDs would be subject to the party whip when it comes to voting on the new legislation in July.
Fears of a mass revolt by members over the Heads of the Protection of Life in Pregnancy Bill have receded after the meeting in which over 60 TDs and senators expressed their views to Mr Kenny. However, European Affairs Minister Lucinda Creighton told Mr Reilly at the meeting, according to party sources, she was “hurt” after comments he made in public recently, where he suggested some people were using the issue of abortion for political gain. Mr Reilly said yesterday that he would not discuss the matter.
Enda Kenny and ministers at press conf announcing Ireland's first #abortion legislation. Historic day? pic.twitter.com/DdsWxjIeIw
— Sarah McInerney (@SarahAMcInerney) May 1, 2013
However, the minister ruled out a free vote for TDs on the bill, which will now be debated at committee level and is expected eventually to come back for a Dáil vote in July. He said the meeting was “very positive” and there had been a lot of personal stories.
Party sources said it was felt the fears of those who felt the legislation was too liberal had been allayed. Some suggested ministers had “lectured” them while others felt Mr Kenny had shown “great leadership” during the meeting.
“He took the bull by the horns and said he didn’t want to lose people over it,” said one senator.
A number of TDs and senators expressed concern the legislation would allow for abortion in limited circumstances where a woman showed suicidal intent. These included Terence Flanagan, John O’Mahony, Michelle Mulherin, Peter Mathews, Brian Walsh, Billy Timmins and Fidelma Healy Eames.
Mr Kenny offered to meet members to discuss concerns as the legislation goes through the Houses of the Oireachtas. Mr Kenny met Galway West TD Brian Walsh ahead of Wednesday’s party meeting after the deputy earlier this week said he would oppose the legislation.
Women who have had abortions may be invited to give evidence to the Oireachtas health committee during hearings about the proposed abortion legislation.
Senator Fidelma Healy Eames (FG) made the request, saying it would be helpful, according to committee sources.
Committee chairman TD Jerry Buttimer yesterday confirmed that it was considering requests to invite women who had abortions to appear at the hearings.
TDs and senators agreed to hold three days of hearings which will primarily focus on legal and medical evidence concerning the proposed Protection of Life in Pregnancy Bill.
The public hearings will be held on May 17, 20, and 21 where views of cross-party Oireachtas members will also be heard.
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