Tag Archives: Anne Ferris

90370482Alan Kellyon a visit to Gardiner Street, Dublin today

This afternoon

Further to Anne Ferris’ expulsion from the Labour party…

“The Labour Party is a very united party, we’re very clear on what we have achieved and very clear on why we’re going into the future, and as deputy leader, I will drive that.

I spoke to Anne. Obviously it’s a very sensitive issue, and it’s an issue that Anne felt very strongly on, but we’ll be speaking to Anne into the future. I mean, this is a unique issue, a very sensitive issue.

But constitutionally, I can’t stand here and vote for something that I know to be unconstitutional. In fact, it would be against the constitution to do that.”

Alan Kelly, Labour deputy leader

He’s ‘ard but sensitive.

*nuzzle*

Earlier: “I Could Not But Have Supported Clare Daly’s Bill”

Fine Gael rebuked pleas by Labour for a free vote (Niall O’Connor and John Downing, Independent.ie)

(Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland)

Meanwhile…

I’m used to those comments from him [Homeless activist Peter McVerry about progress on the number of beds available]. I haven’t heard him say one thing positive yet in relation to anything. Which is unfortunate because many members of his staff who work with us would have contrary views or express contrary views. I’d rather if people were more constructive...”

I’m used to Peter McVerry’s negative comments – Alan Kelly (Newstalk)

90370373

Anne Ferris TD at Leinster House this evening.

“I feel bad having voted against my own party and the government on this but it’s an issue very close to my heart and I could not but have supported Clare Daly’s bill [allowing abortion in cases of fatal fetal abnormalities].

We are forcing people to go to England to have terminations of a much wanted and much loved baby. I think that is really, really wrong. That service should be available in this country.

I wanted to vote for the bill to go to the next stage, which is only committee stage so that the medical experts, the legal experts can come in and have a look at it and go through it line by line.

“If we were told after that definitively it is unconstitutional, then we wouldn’t have been able to vote for it. But I am not sure it is unconstitutional.”

Wicklow TD Anne Ferris after her expulsion from the Labour Party for opposing the party whip.

 Earlier: Sent Away

Anne Ferris is kicked out of Labour Party for voting to allow abortion for babies with fatal abnormalities (irish Mirror)

(Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland)