FG European affiliate concerned over lack of free vote on abortion legislation

The European People's Party has become involved in Ireland's abortion debate.

The current honorary president of the group has written a letter to Enda Kenny saying they are concerned Fine Gael is not allowing a free vote.

The EPP is a European political party , the largest in the European parliament, of which Fine Gael is a member.

Luco Volanté says to impose such severe penalties as dismissal from the party on colleagues for voting in accordance with their consciences on such a fundamental matter is alien to the basic values of the EPP.

Lucinda Creighton, who has expressed concern over the abortion legislation, is one of ten Vice Presidents in the EPP's Presidency, the party's executive body.