‘Eighth Amendment committee victim of tragic group think’, say rebel members

The Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment fell victim to a tragic “group think” in recommending the legalising of abortion for up to 12 weeks, three rebel members railed yesterday.

Launching their own “minority report”, TDs Peter Fitzpatrick and Mattie McGrath and Senator Ronan Mullen said they were appalled by the failure of the committee to act in an unbiased fashion during its 12 weeks of hearings.

The three politicians called for the 1983 amendment to be retained, saying it has saved thousands of lives.