Tóibín Suspended for Vote Against Abortion Bill

12.11.2018

Deputy Peadar Tóibín has been suspended from Sinn Féin for six months after he defied the party and voted against the government’s abortion bill last month. Sinn Féin campaigned for a Yes vote in the referendum and is backing the proposed law to bring in abortion in the new year. The party does not allow free votes on matters of conscience. Deputy Tóibín was previously suspended for opposing abortion legislation in 2013.

The party’s whip in the Dáil Aengus Ó Snodaigh announced that Meath West TD Mr Tóibín has been suspended from the party for six months. He said the abortion legislation “is in line with Sinn Féin’s policy position as agreed democratically at our Ard Fheis.”

“The position has also been overwhelmingly endorsed by the people in May of this year. The party’s position on this legislation is to support it. The whip was in place and all TDs were instructed to be present and to vote for the legislation. Peadar Tóibín’s decision to vote against the legislation is a serious breach of the party’s rules and he has now been suspended.”

Mr Ó Snodaigh said that Mr Tóibín has been informed of the party’s decision.

Irish Independent. November 1.