Shane Ross

Fine Gael wants cabinet unity over abortion

Justine McCarthy and Stephen O’Brien
December 17 2017

Health minister Simon Harris wants the cabinet to adopt a united front on next year’s abortion referendum, although just six of the 15 ministers say they support the findings of a special Oireachtas committee.

Analysis of ministers’ previous statements on abortion and their voting records on related Oireachtas motions indicates 12 ministers could support the removal of the 34-year-old abortion ban from the constitution.

The six who have stated their support are Charlie Flanagan, Eoghan Murphy, Regina Doherty, Josepha Madigan, Katherine Zappone and Shane Ross.

Continued at source: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/ireland/fine-gael-wants-cabinet-unity-over-abortion-nzqhskm2p

Finian McGrath says ‘we are not looking for a row’ over motion to hold referendum

Tue, Aug 23, 2016, 01:00
by Pat Leahy, Irish Times

Members of the Independent Alliance expect that they will have a free vote on a Dáil motion on an abortion referendum in the autumn, reigniting the July divisions in the Coalition that caused the most serious Cabinet split since the formation of the Government.

A number of Independent TDs are likely to vote in favour, although it will be opposed by Fine Gael because the Government – of which the Independent TDs are members – has referred the abortion question to a citizens’ assembly, expected to be set up in October.

[continued at link]
Source: Irish Times

Ireland: Fine Gael wants cabinet unity over abortion

Ireland: Independent Coalition TDs expect free vote on abortion