Two Independent TDs who regularly support the minority Government in Dail votes are to seek a meeting with the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, to clarify his policy on abortion.
Wicklow TD Ms Mildred Fox told The Irish Times yesterday she is in favour of "a very simply-worded referendum to protect the unborn child". She said she is "very anxious" that the issue should not be resolved through legislation giving effect to the 1992 Supreme Court judgement in the X case.
Ms Fox is expected to be joined by the Kerry South TD, Mr Jackie Healy-Rae, in any meeting with the Taoiseach to discuss the Government's approach to dealing with abortion. Mr Healy-Rae said he would attend in order to get clarification and is "confident" that the matter will be resolved to his satisfaction.
The third Independent TD who supports the Government, Mr Harry Blaney, was unavailable for comment, but sources close to him said they expected he would also attend any such meeting with the Taoiseach and his colleagues.
According to Ms Fox, who hopes the meeting will take place within the next few weeks, the clarification she seeks will focus on choices proposed by the Minister for Health, Mr Cowen, in the Dail earlier this week.
The Minister suggested two options - a referendum to amend the Constitution on abortion or a referendum on legislation dealing with the Supreme Court decision in the X Case of 1992. Meanwhile, proposals for a Green Paper are to be brought to Government within two weeks.
Ms Fox said she had discussed the matter with Mr Ahern in June during negotiations to secure the support of the Independent deputies.