Sinn Féin politicians will not be given a free vote on potentially major changes to the existing abortion law, according to a report in the Irish Times.

This is despite their Justice Spokesperson, Kerry TD Pa Daly, having campaigned against removing the right to life for unborn children from the Constitution in 2018.

They previously suspended Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, twice, for his consistent opposition to abortion. Carol Nolan also left the party over the issue.

By contrast, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that Fine Gael TDs will have a free vote on any changes to legislation, while it is understood Fianna Fáil TDs will also have a free vote.

A Sinn Féin spokesperson said: “Sinn Féin elected representatives are expected to respect policy decisions taken by the ardfheis and to vote in line with party policy.”