Mathews to seek free vote on abortion bill

Proposals for a free vote for TDs on abortion legislation will be raised at Fine Gael’s parliamentary party ahead of the bill coming before the Dáil tomorrow.

Dublin South TD Peter Mathews plans to put three motions before party colleagues today, despite a vow by Taoiseach Enda Kenny that there will be no free vote for TDs and senators.

Mr Mathews’ proposal comes as research released to TDs said the vast majority of people said they thought politicians should be entitled to a free vote.

A poll by Amárach Research, which TDs obtained yesterday, said 86% of 1,000 adults questioned said politicians should have a free vote rather than be forced to vote along party lines.

Mr Mathews told the Irish Examiner yesterday that he still intended to oppose the passing of Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill, which will begin its stages in the Dáil tomorrow.

“The whole thing is comp-letely out of proportion. I’ve been contacted by 100 doctors in recent days of different disciplines who say this does not need to be legislated for.”

Mr Mathews maintains the bill will affect five fundamental parts of the Constitution and that there should be a free vote.

He said it had been agreed by the European People’s Party — of which Fine Gael is a member — in 2012 that there was “respect for the right of a conscientious objection” by politicians.

His three motions will include that the X case is an “isolated judgement” and therefor does not need legislation; that there is evidence that suicidal intent is not treatable with an abortion; and that politicians should be allowed a free vote.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health has said standalone laws will be needed to deal with teenage girls in State care who require abortions.