TDs in ‘invidious position’ over bill

The attorney general’s advice branding a bill seeking termination rights for women with fatal foetal abnormalities unconstitutional may be made public to give Labour TDs political cover and avoid a damaging split.

Cork TD Michael McCarthy said the attorney general’s view had put Labour TDs in an “invidious” position as many wanted to support the amendment introduced by Independent TD Clare Daly when it is voted on tomorrow.

Cabinet minister Simon Coveney backed calls for the ruling to be made public ahead of the Dáil vote, as Tánaiste Joan Burton insisted Labour opposes the bill on constitutional grounds, even though this has caused tension within the party.