The Aontú leader said the bill to remove the safeguard has little public support in reality and is “politically toxic” for Government and its supposed opposition.
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has described the vote last night (WEDNESDAY) on the abolishing the three-day wait as “politically toxic”.
Tóibín said the display of the Taoiseach, Tanaiste, the Minister for Health and Mary Lou McDonald all working together will vex voters and annoy TDs.
Deputy Tóibín said: “This is a middle ground issue and there’s no public attitude for removing a pause between consultation and abortion.
“The politically toxic element is how you’re going to annoy Fianna Fail and Fine Gael TDS who respect the right-to-life.
“Some voted for Repeal but did so on the basis of this reflection period built in.
“Now they’re seeing a choreographed action by the Taoiseach and Tanaiste, who came out ahead and stated their intention to support the Sinn Fein bill.
“That’s a putative coalition. It’s Mary Lou working hand in glove with Micheal and Simon, and the Minster.”
The move to abolish the three-day wait for abortion is the latest cause of friction and fracture within government parties, says Tóibín
He says backbenchers are unhappy with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael leaders to back the vote ahead of time.
“It sent a message to the party’s TDs on how they wanted them to vote. Even with that unprecedented push, it was a narrow win. It further undermines Micheal Martin’s leadership.”
He added: “Neale Richmond told the Dáil how the Health Minister engaged with deputies from across the house on the issue, in advance of the vote.
“He said she spoke to ‘politicians of all shades’. She did not speak to me, or anyone from Aontú. Why not?”
