The Fianna Fail Chief Whip says he made it clear to Michael Martin that he was prepared to resign from the party if forced to vote in favour of the draft abortion legislation.
The party leader is for the first time in the history of the party to permit a free vote on the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013 when it comes before the Dáil.
The decision came after a parliamentary party meeting could not reach consensus on the measure. Mr. Martin said last night he would give a free vote because he did not want to lose people from the party.
The decision was made after it became apparent yesterday that an imposed whip on a vote either way would see walkouts from the party.
Chief Whip Sean O'Fearghail says there is also a possibility the party could hold free votes in future on other "life" issues.
He does not support the inclusion of suicidal ideation as a ground for an abortion and says he told Mr. Martin that the application of the whip would force his resignation.
Speaking to KFM Mr. O'Fearghail says the situation will only emerge if consensus cannot be achieved.
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