Adams: SF TDs must toe party line on abortion bill
Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams has warned that TDs who vote against his party's position supporting abortion legislation will be "subject to party discipline" for a "serious breach" of party rules.
He was speaking after the party's Meath West TD, Peadar Toibin, confirmed he would oppose the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill when it comes before the Dáil.
Mr Toibin had strongly indicated he would take such a stance but confirmed in on RTÉ's Prime Time tonight.
In a statement afterwards, Mr Adams said: “Sinn Féin’s position on this issue is very clear and was reiterated at our recent Ard Fheis. The government needs to legislate in line with the X Case to protect pregnant women when their lives are at risk and to give legal certainty to medical practitioners."
He said: “The party is currently analysing the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill and the Ard Chomhairle will take it’s decision on the legislation in the coming days. All party representatives will then be mandated on how to vote in relation to the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill".
He said: “It would be a serious breach of party rules for any TD to vote against the party position and they would be subject to party discipline.”
Last November, Mr Toibin went against his party by abstaining from a vote on a private member's Bill on abortion brought by independent TD, Clare Daly. He lost a committee chairmanship as a result, but was not put outside the party fold.
At the party's Árd Fheis in Castlebar earlier this year, he spoke in favour of a motion to allow TDs and Senators a free vote on the Bill, which was rejected by delegates.
