The European Affairs Minister Lucinda Creighton is expected to revolt against the Government today and refuse to vote for the abortion legislation.
The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill is to complete all stages in the Dáil by tonight.
When the legislation returns to the Dáil later this morning 165 amendments have been tabled - and there will not be enough time to debate them all before tonight's final vote.
And there are in fact so many amendments that those dealing with section 9 of the Bill or the so-called suicide clause may not in fact even be reached before the final vote takes place.
Four TDs have already lost the Fine Gael whip and are being expelled from the party for voting against this legislation. By tonight their number will increase.
Despite a hint of compromise yesterday, European Affairs Minister Lucinda Creighton looks set to oppose the legislation.
And she could be joined by others such as Michelle Mulherin, John O'Mahony or John Paul Phelan.
Wrong focus
Whatever happens, over 20 years after the X case, the Dáil wiill legislate for abortion. It's not the final step, the Bill will have to go to the Seanad before its written into law, and that will take most of next week. But in 2 weeks time, President Higgins could be signing into law abortion where the Mother's life is at risk.
Junior minister with responsibility for Disability,Older People, Equality & Mental Health spoke to Newstalk Breakfast earlier. Presenter Chris O'Donoghue started by asking her if she will be voting with her conscience:
<iframe frameBorder='0' height='80' style='width: 100% !important; height: 80px !important;' src='http://www.newstalk.ie/embedded_media_iframe.php?audioURL=http://cdn.radiocms.net/media/001/audio/000002/26661_media_player_audio_file.mp3&audioDesc=Kathleen Lynch'></iframe>
Our Political Correspondent Paraic Gallagher saw these protestors gathering outside Leinster House early this morning, ahead of the vote on the Abortion Bill:
