86% of Irish people want a free vote on abortion legislation, new poll shows

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A new poll shows that a large majority of voters – almost nine out of ten – want TDs to be allowed a free vote on the proposed Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill, rather than follow the party line.

The poll, reported today in The Irish Catholic newspaper, was carried out by Amárach research and took a sample of 1,000 Irish adults and six focus groups.

Asked whether the Taoiseach should permit a free vote rather than demanding politicians follow the party line, 86pc of those polled said a free vote should be allowed. Of Fine Gael voters, a substantial 74pc believed Mr Kenny should allow a free vote.

– Public back free vote for TDs, The Irish Catholic

The poll also showed that 58% of Fianna Fáil voters said they'd be less likely to vote for a party candidate who supported the legislation. That statistic dropped to 43% for Fine Gael supporters, 34% of Sinn Féin supporters, and 16% for Labour.

The Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill is being introduced to the Dáil today, and has caused divisions in some political parties. Three Fine Gael members have said they will vote against the bill despite the party whip, while Fianna Fáil is allowing a free vote.

• Public back free vote for TDs, The Irish Catholic