Roisin Shortall of the Social Democrats says that Enda Kenny was forced to take a stand on abortion ahead of the election.

The deputy leader says that by committing to setting up a citizens convention to discuss repealing the 8th amendment, the Taoiseach is kicking the can down the road on the issue.

Reports this morning say that Fine Gael's deputy leader James Reilly took a stand against Kenny on the issue - forcing him to act.

The Sunday Independent reports that the Minister for Children faced down the Taoiseach three times during a stormy meeting on the issue.

However the paper reports that it was only after he was faced down by Dr Reilly - who was supported by ministers Frances Fitzgerald and Paschal Donohoe - that Kenny agreed to the convention, which will be established within six months.

However Deputy Shortall says that Minister Reilly - like many politicians - may just be saying that to score political point ahead of the election.