Two of Tipperary’s 5 TD’s have expressed their support for the repeal the eighth amendment – with three deputies confirming they’re in favour of holding a referendum on the issue.
The Irish Independent has asked Deputies’ opinions on unrestricted abortions up to 12 weeks, as we face a potential referendum.
Labour’s Alan Kelly and Independent Seamus Healy – say they support the Oireachtas committee’s recommendation as is.
That would see unrestricted abortions available for women up to 12 weeks.
Deputy Mattie McGrath, who sat on the Oireachtas Committee, says he is against abortion in all circumstances – and labelled the committee’s recommendations as ‘cruel and disturbing’.
Fianna Fáil’s Jackie Cahill says he’s against both repealing the eighth and unrestricted abortion up to 12 weeks – but is not opposed to a referendum being held.
Michael Lowry, meanwhile, did not comment. The paper quotes a spokesman for Deputy Lowry who says his position would become clear when the issue comes before the Dail for decision.
Nationally, the paper’s found 43 TDs from rural areas would be opposed, while only 9 TDs in the capital would – with Dublin TDs four times more likely to vote in favour of abortion than their country colleagues.
