SF reject free vote on abortion

Sinn Féin has rejected a bid to give it TDs and Senators a free vote on abortion.

Around 20 branches of the party had submitted the freedom of conscience motion to the Ard Fheis in Wexford last night.

But it was roundly defeated when it came to a vote.

Among those supporting it was Meath West TD Peadar Tobin, just back in the party after being kicked out for voting against the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill last year.

"I suppose on one level, just being back in the party, the idea of debating this issue in the first week – I'd rather nearly wear a Dublin jersey on the streets of Navan at three o'clock in the morning," he said.