Tánaiste wants TDs to have more free votes after Dáil abolishes reflection period on abortion 

Some 12 Fianna Fáil TDs voted in favour of the Sinn Féin proposal, while 11 Fine Gael TDs voted in favour. Some 23 Fianna Fáil TDs and 30 Fine Gael TDs voted against

Simon Harris: 'I think there's a strong case for more opportunities for TDs to actually be allowed outside of the whip system, give their views on very sensitive and conscience issues.' File photo: Liam McBurney/PA

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said that he would like to see more free votes in the Dáil following the abortion debate this week, as justice minister Jim O’Callaghan admitted it was “difficult” to decide how to vote.

On Wednesday evening, the Dáil voted 86 votes to 70 in favour of Sinn Féin’s proposed legislation to abolish the three-day “reflection” period that was introduced following the 2018 referendum to repeal the 8th amendment.