The Fianna Fáil parliamentary party is expected to decide today on whether to allow a free vote on the Protection of Life in Pregnancy Bill.

The issue is likely to come before the weekly parliamentary party meeting following extensive consultations by party leader Micheál Martin with his colleagues over the past few days.

Last week Mr Martin expressed support for the Bill, saying it was consistent with anti-abortion values and would make access to abortion more restrictive than is currently the case.

“I know the inclusion of suicide has raised fears that this could be an avenue for abortion on demand but I cannot see how the legislation would facilitate this,” he added.

The Irish people had twice rejected attempts to eliminate suicide as a ground for abortion and the issue had to be dealt with now, he said.

The party’s health spokesman Billy Kelleher has also expressed support and is expected to report to today’s meeting on the options facing the party on the issue.

Deeply divided
The parliamentary party is deeply divided on the approach to the legislation with almost equal numbers of TDs and senators for and against.

With the party so divided it Mr Martin is expected to allow his TDs to have a free vote when the full text of the Bill is presented to the Dáil.

Mr Martin’s constituency colleague and party finance spokesman Michael McGrath has expressed opposition to the legislation and has called for a free votes.

He said last week that he thought that would be difficult for the party to come to an agreed position. “I don’t believe it is the type of issue where a party whip system should apply.”

While the party leader and health spokesman are expected to reiterate their support for the legislation, it is likely that TDs and senators will be given the freedom to vote according to their conscience.

A Fianna Fáil decision to allow a free vote could put pressure on Taoiseach Enda Kenny to reconsider his decision to impose a three-line whip when the Bill comes before the Oireachtas.