Varadkar and Ross have different views on timing of Pope's visit (it may clash with abortion poll)

Two senior Government ministers have clashed over the planned 2018 visit of the Pope to Ireland due to the close proximity of the trip to a likely referendum on this country's abortion laws.

Mon, 28 Nov, 2016 - 15:10

Two senior Government ministers have clashed over the planned 2018 visit of the Pope to Ireland due to the close proximity of the trip to a likely referendum on this country's abortion laws, writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith, Political Correspondent.

Speaking at separate events in Dublin today, Transport Minister Shane Ross and Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar welcomed the plans but took polar opposite views on whether it is appropriate for the Pope to visit while the abortion debate takes place.