Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has ruled out as unconstitutional proposals by Tánaiste Simon Coveney for the inclusion of a two-third Dáil majority “lock” for votes on any future abortion legislation. Those opposed to change have insisted politicians cannot be trusted not to change abortion laws into the future. Mr Fitzpatrick said he would not criticise Mr Coveney, insisting he was welcome to his own view. However, he stated he was “taken back” by the decision to support “abortion on demand” within the first trimester. One party member, who did not wish to be named but is a close supporter of Mr Coveney, told The Irish Times they were “shell-shocked” by the decision.

Source: The Irish Times March 27, 2018 08:24 UTC