Martin: People opened up to me after speech

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said he has been contacted by women coming forward with personal stories following his speech in the Dáil backing a repeal of the Eighth Amendment.

In a surprising and powerful 20-minute speech on Thursday, Mr Martin said that he would support the recommendations of the Oireachtas committee on the Eighth Amendment, including providing unrestricted access to abortion up to 12 weeks’ gestation.

His comments sparked criticism and praise from within his party, whose members have been given a free vote on the matter.