VETERAN Donegal TD Pat The Cope Gallagher insists that he will not be forced into supporting legislation on the termination of pregnancy.
Speaking to the Donegal News, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle said that his position remains ‘crystal clear’.
“When I stood for election in 2016 I stated that I did not support repeal of the Eighth Amendment or unrestricted abortion and that remains the case.
“I’m very conscious of the Donegal mandate and I will await the publication of the legislation, which is expected by early July, which I will scrutinise very closely,” Deputy Gallagher said.
His stance could bring him into conflict with the party leader Micheál Martin, who supported repeal of the 8th and is now putting restrictions on anti-repeal Oireachtas members not to block abortion legislation.
Deputy Gallagher was one of several TDs who voted against holding the referendum in the first place.
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