Independents to defy Enda Kenny on Mick Wallace’s fatal foetal abnormalities Bill

Taoiseach Enda Kenny was said to be “stern and grumpy” at Cabinet yesterday, as Independent Alliance ministers faced down his demands to vote against Mick Wallace’s fatal foetal abnormalities Bill.

The lack of agreement within the Cabinet comes as several Fine Gael ministers rushed to the defence of Attorney General Maire Whelan, whose advice they have ignored.

They denied her position is now untenable, given the defiant stance taken by the Independent ministers, but Ms Whelan was considering her position in recent days, sources have said.