Tánaiste Simon Coveney’s u-turn in support of unrestricted abortion for the first three months of pregnancy has been attacked by a number of party colleagues.

Fine Gael TD Peter Fitzpatrick and senators Paul Coghlan and Ray Butler have expressed surprise at his remarks with Mr Fitzpatrick stating he was “taken back” by the decision to support “abortion on demand” within the first trimester. Mr Coghlan said he was “very disappointed”, while Mr Butler said he was “shocked” by the Tánaiste’s remarks.

One party member, who did not wish to be named but is a close supporter of Mr Coveney, told The Irish Times they were “shell-shocked” by the decision. The member said: “I will make my decision based on my own conviction and won’t be looking over my shoulder when I make mine. Simon [Coveney] should do likewise.”

The Pro Life Campaign has said that Mr Coveney has brought the issue of trusting politicians to the front and centre of the debate after becoming the latest politician who in the space of just a few weeks has entirely changed his position on the kind of abortion regime he supports.

PLC spokesperson Cora Sherlock said Mr Coveney is engaging in word games “when he knows that the proposal he is backing will lead to abortion on demand in Ireland and he knows it will end the lives of countless babies whose hearts are already beating and are at a point developmentally where they have started to suck their thumbs”.