Phelan set to vote with Government on abortion Bill

The Fine Gael revolt over legislation allowing abortion in certain circumstances is expected to be limited to just five TDs.

By Mary Regan, Political Correspondent

The Fine Gael revolt over the Government's abortion legislation is expected to be limited to just five TDs after John Paul Phelan told the Dáil he will vote with the Government.

The Carlow-Kilkenny TD said that he will vote in favour of the Bill in this morning's vote because it is "a realistic solution" - despite having some misgivings.

He said he consulted widely with his circle of friends and constituents.

The close colleague of Junior Minister Lucinda Creighton said he discussed his decision last night with a "dear friend" who was "particularly upset when I indicated my views".

Deputy Creighton is expected to become the fifth Fine Gael TD to lose the party whip over the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill when she opposes the final vote expected to take place around 5am.

Earlier, two other Fine Gael TDs who had previously cast doubt over their support confirmed they would vote with the Government.

The Taoiseach’s two Mayo constituency colleagues, Michelle Mulherin and John O’Mahony both confirmed that they will vote with it.

Deputy Mulherin who had earlier expressed strong reservations about the clause allowing abortion if a woman is suicidal, told the Dáil: “I am now faced with either supporting the Bill or being booted out of the party, my party. And I am not going to allow myself to be booted out so I’m supporting this legislation.”

She said she was “very disappointed that there was very little accommodation of the legitimate concerns expressed by myself and many others”.

Deputy Mulherin met with Health Minister James Reilly, for an hour and Taoiseach, Enda Kenny for an hour and a half on Tuesday night before reaching her decision.

Her constituency colleague, John O’Mahony, said he was satisfied that “the safeguards are adequate” to prevent abuse of the legislation.

“I have decided to support the passage of the remaining stages of this Bill through the Dáil,” he said in a statement.