Leo Varadkar warns Independents on abortion bill vote

Independent ministers have been warned by a cabinet colleague that backing abortion legislation that is unconstitutional will set a “difficult precedent”.

The advice from Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar comes as a debate is expected today at cabinet ahead of a Dáil vote later this week on liberalising abortion laws.

Fine Gael ministers maintain Independent TD Mick Wallace’s bill to allow for abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities is unconstitutional, as advised by Attorney General Maire Whelan. But Independent Alliance ministers say they intend to support the bill.