Kenny rejects further abortion proposal

The Taoiseach has ruled out any further legislation on abortion — despite at least three senior ministers stating they favour allowing terminations in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore and deputy leader Joan Burton, as well as Justice Minister Alan Shatter, have said they would prefer if legislation went further than what is being considered by the Oireachtas. But as TDs prepare for their first vote on the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill this evening, Enda Kenny promised it would not be “the first step towards a liberal abortion regime”.

He said: “I say clearly that this extremely restrictive bill is the only proposal that will be brought forward by this Government on this issue.”