Fine Gael will launch a campaign in favour of repealing the Eighth Amendment, despite not adopting a formal party position.
Senior party figures confirmed preparations are being finalised for those in favour of change to the Constitution to align and play a role in the referendum campaign.
While they stressed it was too early to be specific, the party would “participate fully” in the campaign and details would be outlined over the next two weeks.
The party has a freedom of conscience vote but all senior Ministers are united behind repeal of Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution, which places the life of the unborn and the mother on an equal footing. There is division, however, on what will replace the Eighth Amendment in legislation.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has sought a meeting of like-minded TDs and Senators to discuss forming a group ahead of the referendum but one has not taken place yet.
It is understood to have been scheduled a number of weeks ago but it was delayed because of Storm Emma.
Those in favour of repeal are eager for Fine Gael to play a role in the campaign and are considering the appointment of two directors of elections to lead their campaign.
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty are two names being considered.
Whatever decision is made will stand the test of time. That not only lasts for the decision to take Article 40.3.3 out of the Constitution but also for any legislation that is put in
The party has stressed its position will become clearer when the Referendum Bill passes through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
It was debated in the Dáil last night and is expected to continue today, ahead of committee stage later this week.
Repeal campaigners
Meanwhile, senior figures in Government have distanced themselves from Ms Doherty’s comments at the weekend, where she said campaigners for the repeal of the Eighth Amendment will not accept a No vote in the forthcoming referendum.
A number of Ministers said they support the position articulated by the Labour party leader, Brendan Howlin, who said the outcome of the referendum will "last for a considerable amount of time".
The Labour Party supports repealing Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution and allowing for access to terminations within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Mr Howlin said he believed there will be a decisive result in favour of change, claiming the majority of people will not accept the status quo.
However, he stressed the outcome of the decision of the people must be respected, regardless of the result.
“Whatever decision is made will stand the test of time. That not only lasts for the decision to take Article 40.3.3 out of the Constitution but also for any legislation that is put in.
“I do not see any Oireachtas in the next few years changing the legislation that will flow from that as well because there will be an endorsement of that from the people, not only of the deletion of the Amendment but also of the type of legislation that should replace it.”
