Flanagan confirms opposition to new abortion laws

Another Fine Gael TD has confirmed he will not support the new abortion legislation.

Terence Flanagan has confirmed his opposition to the Bill overnight.

It is the final day of debate on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill ahead of the first vote which is expected tomorrow evening.

So far four Fine Gael deputies have vowed to lose the party whip and vote against the legislation.

Peter Matthews, Brian Walsh and Billy Timmins all say they cannot support the legislation, especially with the inclusion of the suicide provision, and Dublin TD Terence Flanagan joined the ranks of those opposed to the Bill.

Today the Dáil will sit for eight more hours for a second-stage debate and more Fine Gael TDs are expected to outline their position.

But some, like Junior Minister Lucinda Creighton and Mayo's John O'Mahony, may support it in tomorrow's vote in the hope of making changes to it at committee stage.

At this stage though the biggest revolt in Government in decades is expected on this legislation.