Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland

Poll: Should TDs be given a free vote on abortion legislation?

What do you think? Should TDs tow the party line or vote according to their beliefs?

SEVERAL PUBLIC FIGURES have called for TDs to be given a free vote on the Government’s proposed legislation on abortion, which would allow a threat to the life of a woman – including death by suicide – to be grounds for a termination.

The four Catholic archbishops last night called for a free vote, saying public representatives should be permitted to individually examine the “profound moral questions” involved in their decision. Some politicians, including Fine Gael’s Eoghan Murphy and Fianna Fail’s John McGuinness, have also called for a free vote.

Murphy said the right to life of the unborn child should not be superior to that of a pregnant woman, but that enforcing the whip on the contentious issue could nevertheless result in “weakening” the decision.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said there will be no free vote on the issue.

What do you think – should TDs be given a free vote on abortion legislation?


Poll Results:

No (1297)
Yes (1119)
I don't know (385)

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
122 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds