Call for new abortion legislation

Pro-abortion activists have stated today that the need for safe, free and legal abortions is necessary in Ireland "now more than ever".

Alliance for Choice says women are still travelling to Britain in their droves for terminations which remain banned here.

The organisation has protested outside Dail Eireann, demanding legislation to follow last year's referendum defeat.

Spokesperson Sinead Kennedy said of the Taoiseach today: "There's a lot of things that Bertie Ahern doesn't have the appetite for, but that doesn't mean he has to ignore the issue."