How the vote affects the state of the parties

With the first Dáil vote behind them and the detail being discussed at marathon committee meetings, the long and contentious debate on the legislation for abortion in limited circumstances has entered its final week.

Politicians from all sides will hardly be sorry to see an end to what has been a difficult period — involving bitter debates and often offensive campaigning.

When the summer recess allows them time to cool off, some will survey the political wreckage left by the passage of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill.