FG's Murphy calls for free vote on abortion legislation

A Fine Gael TD has called for a free vote on any new abortion legislation.

Dublin South East TD Eoghan Murphy says TDs should not be forced to vote for something they do not agree with.

The government will decide tomorrow whether it is going to legislate for abortion where a mother's life is at risk.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has already said there will be no free vote on the issue.

His Europe Minister Lucinda Creighton has expressed concern over legislating for abortion where there is a threat of suicide.

And her constituency colleague Eoghan Murphy says TDs should not be subject to a party whip on this matter.

“On this particular issue, parliamentarians should be allowed to vote based on what they think and defend that vote rather than be forced into a position they don’t agree with.

“By enforcing the whip, there’s a risk we end up weakening the decision we actually take.”