Coveney insists on hurdle to abortion changes

Tánaiste Simon Coveney has demanded that a two-thirds Dáil majority will be needed to change Ireland’s abortion law in the future, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

Mr Coveney has demanded the clause is introduced in any final post-referendum law in return for his support for the Government’s abortion plans.

Mr Coveney yesterday said that, despite his initial rejection of plans to allow unrestricted access to abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy, he is now in favour of the move.