Former Fianna Fáil Councillor Slams TD’s Treatment of Pro-Life Doctors at Abortion Hearing

16.10.2026

A former Fianna Fáil councillor has strongly criticised Roscommon-Galway TD Dr Martin Daly over his treatment of two medical professionals who defended Ireland’s three-day waiting period before abortion at an Oireachtas Health Committee hearing.

Pic. Gerard O'Loughlin

Eithne Deane, a former Boyle Town Councillor and Fianna Fáil member, described Daly’s conduct as “unbecoming” and accused him of failing to show professional courtesy towards fellow doctors.

Writing in the Roscommon People, Ms Deane expressed disappointment at what she considered politically motivated questioning of Dr Andrew O’Regan and Dr Kirsten Fuller, who appeared before the committee examining Sinn Féin’s proposal to abolish the waiting period.

She was particularly critical of Daly’s questioning about an interview Dr O’Regan had given to Spirit Radio, suggesting his reference to the station’s Christian identity was an attempt to undermine the doctor's credibility.

Deane argued that the committee should have focused on the medical evidence rather than the personal beliefs or media appearances of witnesses.

She also highlighted the experiences of women who attended an abortion consultation but subsequently continued their pregnancies after reconsidering during the three-day period.

Several of these women shared their testimonies at a meeting in Buswells Hotel on the day of the hearing she said.

Ms Deane suggested Daly would have been better served listening to their experiences rather than challenging his medical colleagues.