Varadkar 'not calling for an abortion referendum'

The Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar is denying reports that he clashed with the Taoiseach Enda Kenny over the issue of a referendum on abortion.

The Irish Independent reported that Mr Varadkar told a Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting last night that a referendum on the issue of suicide as grounds for a termination should not be ruled out, but the Taoiseach disagreed.

Minister Varadkar said the events of parliamentary party meetings are private.

However, he did say that he has never called for a referendum.

Mr Varadkar said: "There certainly wasn't a row and I can tell you that for certain.

"What there was was a very good three-hour meeting where 50 to 60 people gave their views on how we should move forward on the abortion issue. I haven't and I am not calling for an abortion referendum, I am not a fan of referendums at all."