TD says she kept values of FG

Lucinda Creighton insisted she had stayed true to Fine Gael’s values after she was kicked out of the parliamentary party for voting against the abortion legislation.

She is to lose her position as European affairs minister and her exit is the biggest loss that Enda Kenny’s government has faced so far.

As she prepared to move to the Independent benches last night, she said she had stayed true to her party’s values but was now ready to be “constructive” with government ministers on issues and to contribute “fresh thinking” to policies.

In a statement, she said she had been honoured to serve as a minister and help restore Ireland’s reputation on the world’s stages.

“I wish the Taoiseach and the entire Government the very best in continuing with the difficult work of restoring economic sovereignty to Ireland. I will work hard, as a member of the 31st Dáil, to compliment that work through my ongoing and enthusiastic contribution to our parliament.”

The TD had signalled her intention to oppose the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill in recent days saying she could not support the clause allowing abortions for suicidal women.

She tabled amendments to remove this clause and proposals for an advocate for the unborn in abortion cases.

Just before 9pm last night, Ms Creighton supported an amendment by other pro-life TDs to remove most of the suicide clause.

Her vote against the Government results in the immediate loss of the party whip, meaning she is expelled from the parliamentary party. Her position as a junior minister also ceases immediately. However, the Cabinet must sign off on this or make an incorporeal agreement, which is was expected to do last night.

Mr Kenny had warned any TD who votes against the bill will not be allowed run under the party banner at the next general election.

Sources close to Ms Creighton though say she is preparing to seek speaking rights on the Independent benches with her colleagues who also lost the Fine Gael whip in recent days.

She said she wanted to remain within Fine Gael.

Billy Timmins, Brian Walsh, Terence Flanagan, and Peter Mathews have already opposed the bill and defied the Fine Gael whip.

Party chairman Charlie Flanagan said last night it was sad day for the party and that he was disappointed but not surprised.

Ms Creighton said it was a sad for her. She said the party had given commitments not to legislate for abortion at the last election and she had “gone out on a limb”. She said she had tried to improve the bill with amendments and remove the suicidal clause amid medical evidence that showed it as “flawed”.

“As far as I’m concerned I didn’t break any pledge before the election. The reality is the party has actually broken its pledge.”