‘TDs should have free vote on abortion’

An opinion poll commissioned by the Pro Life Campaign has found overwhelming support for allowing TDs a free vote on the abortion legislation.

The poll, carried out by Amarach consultants, found 78% believed politicians should be able to vote according to their own beliefs compared to just 13% who said they should vote along party lines.

Pro Life Campaign spokeswoman Caroline Simons said this view was also held by “many” in Fine Gael but they were coming under extreme pressure to toe the line.