Fine Gael TDs ‘relieved’ at Mathews’ departure

Fine Gael abortion rebel TD Peter Mathews quit the party yesterday as other Fine Gael TDs expressed “relief” the Dublin South maverick had gone.

Mr Mathews said he decided to resign and become an Independent TD because of the impossible position the leadership of the party had left him in after losing the party whip over his opposition to the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill, during the summer.

“Primarily, it is the leadership that has put me in this position and the position is not one I’d like to linger in,” he said over being expelled from the parliamentary party.