Latest: Fianna Fáil meeting discussing Martin's abortion stance well-meaning but unnecessary, TD says
A Fianna Fáil meeting today discussing its leader's stance on abortion is well-meaning but unnecessary.
That is according to Pro-Life TD Jackie Cahill who claims there is no need to talk about Micheál Martin's call to repeal the Eighth Amendment.
The meeting has been organised by Carlow-Kilkenny TD Bobby Aylward who is worried anti-abortion members are not getting enough air time.
But Deputy Cahill says he will not be going.
He said: Bobby is doing it with the best of intentions so I wouldn't feel that he is trying to be unhelpful.
I'd say the media, with all due respect, will be mischievous about the meeting and could portray it as a split within Fianna Fáil which it is not."
Pro-life Fianna Fáil TDs will meet this evening to discuss how to react to Micheál Martin’s stance on abortion.
The Fianna Fáil leader told the Dáil last week he supports repealing the Eighth Amendment and abortion on request for up to 12 weeks.
Carlow-Kilkenny TD Bobby Aylward has organised a meeting of those with pro-life views in the party.
A number of those will gather this evening to discuss how to ensure their views get as much media coverage as those of Micheál Martin.
Martin surprised everyone when he got up and supported repeal last week, including members of his own parliamentary party.
Some TDs took issue with the fact they only learned about the speech and their party leaders views at the same time as the media and everyone else.
It is expected at least 8 members of the parliamentary party will attend Aylward's meeting
One TD estimated as many as 75% of the party are pro-life, and are disappointed in the position Micheál Martin has taken
