Dáil vote on abortion bill ‘a must’

Anti-abortion TDs have warned ministers that any attempt to push through X case legislation without a Dáil vote would be anti-democratic.

As Taoiseach Enda Kenny faced down a growing revolt in Fine Gael over the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill, Fianna Fáil’s Michael McGrath insisted a formal vote could not be avoided.

Under Dáil rules at least 10 TDs must insist on a division, but Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has made it clear the Coalition would like to see the proposed laws passed through the Dáil on the nod.