Four Fine Gael TDs are automatically losing the party whip after voting against the government on abortion laws.

Billy Timmins, Peter Matthews, Brian Walsh and Terence Flanagan say it was a matter of conscience for them to vote against the laws. They all objected to the inclusion of the suicide provision.

All four will now be expelled from the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party.

Peadar Toibin of Sinn Féin also voted against the Bill, as did 13 out of the 19 Fianna Fáil TDs.

The Bill received the backing of the Dáil by 138 votes to 24 in the first vote. It is now referred to committee and will be back in the Dáil for a final vote next week where more Fine Gael TDs may revolt.

The longest serving member of the four who revolted is Wicklow TD Billy Timmins.

Pictured above is Billy Timmins