Mathews calls for end of party whip system
Peter Mathews who was kicked out of Fine Gael for voting against the party on abortion wants a referendum to abolish the party whip system.
Mathews has tabled legislation which, if passed, would lead to a referendum guaranteeing TDs the right to freedom of conscience.
He wants Ireland to follow the lead of Germany, where the constitution allows politicians to be accountable to their own conscience as well as to the public.
He believes the German system works well and could be useful here.
