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.

Mr McGrath, who is highly critical of the bill and forced party leader Micheál Martin to allow Fianna Fáil TDs a free vote on the issue, condemned any moves to prevent a vote taking place.

Mr McGrath said it would be left up to individual Fianna Fáil TDs to decide whether to push for a vote in the Dáil tomorrow.

“I think it is inevitable that there will be a vote on Tuesday.

“I think it would be anti-democratic if there wasn’t a vote. The country is not unanimous on this piece of legislation by any means because of the lack of evidence that abortion is a treatment for suicide,” he told RTÉ.

“I think many people have concerns about it, that it could lead to a more liberal regime.”

With three Fine Gael TDs — Peter Mathews, Brian Walsh and Billy Timmins — already pledged to vote against the bill unless the suicidal grounds for a termination are removed, speculation mounted regarding the rebellion spreading.

Terence Flanagan became the latest Fine Gael TD to express concern about the clause allowing women with suicidal ideation to seek a termination.

He said he believed a dozen TDs and senators would join him in voting no as he urged colleagues to “put conscience before career” and oppose the “unjust” bill.

Europe Minister Lucinda Creighton is also expected to clarify her position when the bill is debated in the Dáil today after expressing concern about elements of the legislation.