The Taoiseach's call for consensus behind the abortion referendum he plans for next spring is set to go unheeded, with Labour pledged to oppose it and Fine Gael divided on the issue.
However, anti-abortion campaigners last night appeared poised to give support to Mr Ahern's plan to ask for a vote for abortion where the mother's life is in danger, but not where suicide is threatened.
The Pro-Life Campaign last night gave an initial welcome to the Government's approach while the medical profession and Catholic Church are also believed to be generally supportive.
Crucially, Mr Ahern has succeeded in winning PD support. They were previously reluctant to see another abortion referendum.
Labour's immediate opposition to the proposed referendum makes a vigorous campaign likely. The pro-choice group, Abortion Reform, and the Irish Family Planning Association strongly criticised the Government plan.
Labour leader Mr Ruair∅ Quinn condemned the Government's approach as "misguided and divisive" as well as "legally flawed".
Fine Gael did not outline a position last night, saying the parliamentary party would hear legal advice before taking a stance. Party sources suggested there are strongly held views on each side of the debate, making a consensus very unlikely. The party front bench will discuss the issue but deputies and senators will not consider it until next week at the earliest.
Mr Ahern yesterday detailed his plan to hold a referendum to allow abortion in cases where a woman's life is at risk arising from pregnancy, but not where suicide is threatened. He promised the poll would take place before the next general election and probably in spring.
Under the legally complex proposal, which follows four years of consultation, voters will be asked to approve by referendum the text of proposed legislation.
If the referendum is carried, the Oireachtas then has 180 days to pass legislation according to the exact wording approved by the people. Any future attempt to amend this legislation must be approved by referendum. The proposed legislation excludes from the definition of abortion the termination of pregnancy carried out where the mother's life is at risk "other than by self-destruction".
The decision on whether the mother's life is at risk is to be taken by a medical practitioner. This effectively rolls back the Supreme Court decision in the X case in which the threat of suicide was deemed grounds for an abortion.
However, the legislation will make clear it does not limit the right of a woman to travel abroad to have an abortion. It will also make it lawful to use the "morning-after" pill and intra-uterine device. This is contrary to the position of most anti-abortion groups.
The Taoiseach said yesterday the final decision on the Government's approach was taken by the Cabinet only yesterday morning. However, copies of the legislation and associated material appear to have been printed before yesterday indicating earlier approval.