Varadkar: Don’t delay referendum bill debate

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has appealed to pro-life TDs and senators not to deliberately delay the abortion referendum bill debate in a bid to prevent the public having their say potentially as soon as May 25.

The Taoiseach said the potential risk is a “realistic possibility” as he warned that pro-life politicians may drag their heels, propose endless changes to the bill or filibuster during speeches to block an early vote.

Speaking to reporters at University College Cork during the first in a series of Project Ireland 2040 events, Mr Varadkar said he is relieved the Supreme Court did not block the referendum from taking place in its judgement earlier this week.