Wallace admits: Abortion bill 'not perfect' but still needed

Update 12.10pm: Mick Wallace has admitted his controversial abortion bill is not perfect, but has said it is needed to highlight the plight of women forced to travel abroad for terminations.

The Independent TD wants to introduce new laws allowing abortions in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities.

However the Attorney General has signalled that the legislation would be unconstitutional and the Taoiseach has called it 'bad for women'.

The bill has also caused a rift between Cabinet colleagues and triggered a backlash against Enda Kenny as Independent Ministers look like they will ignore his advice and vote in favour of the legislation this afternoon.

Mick Wallace still does not know if his bill will pass, but has said it should be given a shot: “The only body in Ireland who can determine if something is constitutional or otherwise is the Supreme Court.

“People are saying the bill isn’t perfect and we know it isn’t, we didn’t get a chance to change it from the last time it went in.

“But if it can be modified, it can be improved at committee stage, we are just asking, let it be tested.”

Earlier: Enda Kenny's leadership has come under pressure ahead of today's Dáil vote on abortion.

At a meeting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party last night, a number of the Taoiseach's own deputies voiced unhappiness with his decision to allow Independent Ministers vote against the rest of their cabinet colleagues.

Independent Ministers are to support Mick Wallace's fatal foetal abnormalities bill, allowing terminations in cases where babies will not survive outside the womb.

The Taoiseach has described the bill as "flawed" and "bad for women". The Attorney General has also warned it is unconstitutional.

Cork Fine Gael TD Jim Daly said Enda Kenny should have insisted the Independent Transport Minister Shane Ross voted it down with the rest of the Cabinet.

"I certainly think Shane Ross voting against the Government that he's a member of on this issue, which has been declared unconstitutional, is ironic," he said.

"It's a bill which has been declared unconstitutional. Shane Ross is willing to compromise the Government on that, which I think is unfair.

"Then there's collective responsibility, part of the same constitution, which is being ignored on this occasion."

Mick Wallace said he agreed the Independent TDs in Cabinet should be allowed a free vote.