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Michelle O'Neill: I support liberalising Sinn Féin's abortion policy

Sinn Féin's northern leader Michelle O'Neill speaks to The Irish News. Picture by Hugh Russell
Sinn Féin's northern leader Michelle O'Neill speaks to The Irish News. Picture by Hugh Russell Sinn Féin's northern leader Michelle O'Neill speaks to The Irish News. Picture by Hugh Russell

MICHELLE O'Neill will vote in favour of liberalising Sinn Féin's abortion policy when party members gather in Dublin this weekend.

The ard fheis is set to debate a number of motions relating to abortion, however, one which seeks to broaden the scope of terminations is being brought forward by the party's ruling executive.

The Sinn Féin northern leader said she would support this particular motion which, not only advocates abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality, rape or sexual abuse, but also "where a woman’s life, health or mental health is at serious risk or in grave danger".

"I think it's appropriate in terms of making our policy fit for purpose," she told The Irish News last night.

"I believe it's practical, it's reasonable – it is just a restatement of our current policy with additional features."

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Former Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay believes the move will bring the party policy "broadly in line" with the 1967 Abortion Act.

Any shift in policy may prove unwelcome among conservative elements in Ms O'Neill's Mid Ulster constituency.

But she said there was a "big difference" between the proposed policy and Britain's current abortion law.

Saying the party "isn't in favour of abortion" she insisted that when explained on the doorstep to constituents why the more liberal policy was being adopted, they would understand.

The ard fheis will also debate a motion that proposes giving Sinn Féin representatives a 'conscience vote' on abortion.

The Mid Ulster MLA said she had already made her mind up on the issue but declined to say how she would vote.