Equality Minister: Vote Labour in election and you'll get a 'Repeal the 8th' referendum

The Labour Party has pledged to hold a referendum on abortion if it is re-elected to Government.

The pledge comes after Friday's

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Labour says it wants to see a vote on whether or not to repeal the 8th Amendment, which gives equal rights in the constitution to the mother and her unborn child.

Minister for Equality Aodhan O'Riordain said it was a very difficult and divisive issue.

"There are still 4,000 women a year going to Britain to access terminations. It's a very difficult, emotional and divisive area," he said.

"If we were to have this referendum, which I passionately believe we should have, it's a long conversation…and the preparatory work is only beginning.

"But I would say this much - you vote Labour in the next election, and you're going to get a referendum on the 8th amendment."

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