Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin coy on abortion recommendation

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has backed abortion in cases of rape and fatal foetal abnormalities but has stopped short of endorsing an Oireachtas committee call for terminations up to 12 weeks.

The Fianna Fáil leader said he would examine the issue further and give a more “considered view” in the New Year, as Taoiseach Leo Varadar also refused to give his personal view until a special Fine Gael meeting in January.

The cross-party committee recommended a repeal of the Eight Amendment, unrestricted access to abortion in the first 12 weeks, and abortions in the case of fatal foetal abnormalities and where the woman’s life and physical and mental health is at significant risk.