Coalition faces fresh crisis over response to abortion bill

The Government is “sleepwalking” its way into another crisis over abortion, ministers admitted last night.

The Coalition has failed to agree a response to Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Ruth Coppinger’s bill, which is seeking to repeal the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution.

The Independent Alliance ministers — Shane Ross, Finian McGrath, John Halligan and Sean Canney — are to meet colleague Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran today to discuss their position on the bill along with budget matters, but sources have said a free vote would be sought.