The Taoiseach Enda Kenny says Health Minister Leo Varadkar is entitled to his opinion on abortion.

It follows claims by Mr Varadkar in the Irish Times today that abortion should be allowed if there is significant risk to a woman's long-term physical health - and not just in cases of fatal foetal abnormality.

The Taoiseach has promised a citizen's forum to discuss the issue, if Fine Gael is re-elected.

And speaking to Radio Kerry, he denied there is a rift in the party over it.

While Jobs Minister Richard Bruton says Fine Gael will not be using the general election campaign to influence people's views on abortion.

Mr Bruton says if returned to power, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his party would set up a citizen's forum to discuss the issue.

But he says Fine Gael will not be changing its policies regarding abortion for their general election manifesto.