Leo Varadkar under pressure to reveal view as Micheál Martin backs repeal of law on abortion

The Taoiseach is now under mounting pressure to reveal his views on abortion after Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin backed the recommendations of the Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment.

In a significant and unexpected move, Mr Martin told the Dáil that he supports a repeal of the amendment, replacing it with new laws based on a “time-based cut-off near the end of the first trimester” and allowing later-stage exemptions in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities and threats to the life of the mother.

Mr Martin broke ranks with the majority view in his party by saying he supports the plans.