A member of the Labour Party has hit out at comments by the Bishop of Elphin on abortion as "absolute nonsense".

Wicklow deputy Anne Ferris has told the Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk she is "on public record, and I've no problem saying that I'm pro-choice".

Her comments come a day after the Bishop of Elphin, Kevin Doran, claimed many of those who want to remove the 8th amendment from the Constitution "have made no secret of the fact that their ultimate political objective is abortion on demand".

He also urged the public to remember each party's stance when they go to the polls.

So far, Fine Gael and Labour have agreed that they would consider holding a Constitutional Convention on the issue if re-elected.

However, Fianna Fáil has stressed it would not support moves to remove the 8th amendment.

But Deputy Ferris says it is ultimately up to the people.

"I feel that every woman in this country, if they are faced with a crisis pregnancy, it is up to that woman to decide what they want to do with their pregnancy (and) what they want to do with their life".

On disagreeing with Bishop Doran, Deputy Ferris added: "What he's saying is that the Labour Party - or whatever party if they're pro-choice - will then ultimately legislate for abortion on demand. As we all know these things are taken very, very slowly, very, very carefully".

"And we are not talking about legislating for anything at the moment; we are talking about having the referendum to allow the people to decide - and ultimately it will be the people that decide".