Enda Kenny mulls abortion reform, Fine Gael TD's may get 'free vote' on future legislation

Enda Kenny has told Fine Gael that he will consider setting up a forum to examine liberalising Ireland’s abortion laws further and possibly repealing the eighth amendment.

Fine Gael TDs and senators could also be given a ‘free vote’ on any future legislation that follows, the parliamentary party were told.

The dramatic change in Mr Kenny’s stance comes after his party lost several TDs and senators during the current Dáil on the contentious issue and as the Fine Gael-Labour coalition seeks re-election.