Flanagan calls for scrapping of abortion referendum

The forthcoming abortion referendum should be scrapped because of the lack of calm debate, according to Fine Gael’s Charlie Flanagan.

The Laois-Offaly TD said the debate on the referendum is currently being held in an atmosphere of confusion and disinterest.

"The statement by the Referendum Commission that they’re not going to be able to do their job has compounded the atmosphere of both disinterest and confusion", he said.

"You don’t change your constitution nor indeed do you make laws in an atmosphere of uncertainty and confusion."