abortion, sinn fein, peadar tobin td, x case bill, politics, meath sinn fein

abortion, sinn fein, peadar tobin td, x case bill, politics, meath sinn fein

Toibin Stands Firm in abortion debate

Sinn Féin TD Peadar Tóibín has said that he understands there will be "some level of disciplinary action" following his absence from the Dáil last night for a vote on the X Case Bill.

All Sinn Féin TDs were expected to be in the chamber to support the Medical Treatment Bill (Termination of Pregnancy in the case of a threat to the life of the pregnant woman) going to committee stage.

Deputy Tóíbín said Sinn Féin policy is that the Government needs to legislate for the X Case, but that he has a different view which is at variance with that.

He said his position is that where a mother's life is in danger every single medical option should be afforded to that woman to ensure there is no loss of life, without exception.

He also added that "as a society we should do everything we can regarding other solutions for unwanted pregnancies rather than the ending of the life of the unborn."

ULA TD Clare Daly had introduced the bill, which was defeated by 101 votes to 27.

breaking news, save navan hospital, hospital rally meath, peadar tobin TD, meath Sinn Fein, HSE

Thousands protest in support of Navan Hospital

breaking news, save navan hospital, hospital rally meath, peadar tobin TD, meath Sinn Fein, HSE

Up to 9,000 people took to the streets of Navan on Saturday in a massive show of support for the Save Navan Hospital Campaign.

It was the second time in two years that massive crowds turned out in protest at the continued downgrading of services at Our Lady's Hospital and the possible night time closure of A&E services in Navan.

The crowd were warned by Meath GP, Dr Ruairi Hanley that the threat to Navan Hospital by "HSE morons" had never been greater.

He warned the HSE will claim they have experts who will say that Navan is unsafe.

"Well if anyone tells you, you are better off on a trolley in Drogheda than a bed in Navan, they are not experts, but brain dead muppets."

The march took a route from the Trim Road, down by the Fair Green and Church Hill, up Ludlow Street and Trimgate Street to Brews Hill.

The chairman of the Save Navan Hospital Campaign, Deputy Peadar Tóibín said the immense numbers who turned out for the protest were material proof of the value of the hospital to the people of Meath.

Cllr Shane Cassells said they had mobilised once more "to send the HSE, James Reilly and our politicians a clear message from the people of Navan and Meath that we are going to keep the services we have and get back what we have lost."

Speakers on the stage outside Pairc Tailteann, close to the hospital, also included Deputy Damien English, Sean Nolan of SIPTU and Catriona Nolan, who had been treated in Navan hospital five weeks previously.