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FIANNA FÁIL TDs and Senators will today discuss the party’s stance on the Government’s proposed abortion bill, after an intense five-hour meeting of Fine Gael representatives last night.
The weekly meeting of the FG parliamentary party was the longest in memory – easily outlasting those of mid-2010 when Enda Kenny survived a leadership heave – with many members openly challenging the inclusion of a clause on suicide.
Though the tone of the meeting is thought to have been less fiery than previous encounters, it was nonetheless fraught – with some TDs insisting they could not vote in favour of clauses recognising the risk of suicide as grounds to end an otherwise viable pregnancy.
Fianna Fáil’s stance on abortion was copperfastened at its Árd Fheis last weekend, when members backed a series of motions on the issue – including an affirmation that the party is fundamentally ‘pro-life’ and opposed plans to legislate for the risk of suicide.
However, it has been suggested that the position of TDs themselves may not be so clear cut – and with the legislation in no danger of falling, due to the massive ranks of Fine Gael and Labour TDs, members could be offered a free vote.
This could prompt some internal divisions, however, given how recently the party affirmed a pro-life stance – and because the government’s majority in the Seanad is much smaller, and may require the support of opposition parties to be carried if FG senators oppose it in significant numbers.
It would present a political opportunity to ensure internal harmony within Fianna Fáil, however – particularly as its chief rival party faces the defection of a dozen or more members.
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Great story, lovely to see people getting a permanent home, wishing them health and happiness in their new abodes.
Trust a politician to turn up for the foto
I love my brick. Foto, Foto…
There are 2 houses boarded up on my street in dublin 9. They have been foe over a year since the last families were evicted for drug dealing. There is another around the corner that was vacated and is now used as a changing room for the local soccer club. So there’s 3 3 bed homes not being used. What the fook are the council playing at.
It’s very positive… We could complain and moan, that someone one had to die outside the Dáil for things like this to happen but realise it’s A good news story on the back of a very tough year for the likes of poor John Corry.. Let’s hope they have a good Christmas and great credit The likes of Lord Mayor Christy Burke & all involved..
No Ray,these houses haven’t been planned, built and equipped since that poor man died near the Dail!
But I take your point. Never in the history of our decrepit little state have a government responded so quickly to a tragedyli,e that, but at least they are responding which can only be a good thing. It’s up to us, the public, to ensure that it’s not a just pre christmas, pre election stunt. We need to keep the pressure on to make sure the policy is continued and also spread nationwide. While the homeless crises in Dublin is desperate, and the govt response is making the headlines, other cities like Cork and Waterford have a similar problem which are not being tackled.
great news to hear, i wonder how long they were waiting? just 5 f****in houses though, hard work from Alone mind, they get little support only from what we give :/ and to think this government could provide 500 if they wanted but would rather pay others.
Its so good to know these few people are living in their own homes for Christmas, long may they enjoy and hopefully by next Christmas no one will be sleeping on the streets at least those who don’t want to. Happy Christmas to you.
I used to work with ALONE when i was a teenager, very long time ago, need to get finger out
and get back there , Merry Christmas to one and all, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Once it is not a publicity stunt? What about homeless families too?
Isn’t it great that these people can now have a cup of tea by the fire in their own homes ! All the best to them
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