Toibín to Defy Sinn Féin Whip Over Abortion

28.06.2018

Sinn Féin TD Peadar Toibín has made clear he will defy the wishes of his party and vote against legislation to allow for abortion. But he said he will not leave the party over the issue. Deputy Toibín was a leading No campaigner during the referendum on the Eighth Amendment and has repeatedly sought a freedom of conscience vote for members of Sinn Féin.

Speaking on LMFM radio, he said he would not be leaving the party but accepted he would lose the whip by voting against it: “I accept that there will no doubt be a period of suspension facing me and there may possibly be implications from that suspension which could impact on my eligibility to stand under the Sinn Féin flag.”

The Irish Examiner. June 26.