There's mounting unease in Fine Gael over the Government's abortion legislation plans, after former Taoiseach John Bruton intervened in the debate.

In an article in today's Irish Independent he says he knows of no other area of law where a threat of suicide is grounds to make legal something that would otherwise be illegal

And he proposes an alternative to handling the legislation which does not involve catering for the grounds of suicide.

Barnardos Chief Fergus Finlay says it's not up to former Taoisigh to lead the country to a decision on the legislation:

Last night the Taoiseach appealed for calm and asked people to wait until the legislation is published before making judgment.

But there is growing unease within the party with Galway TD Brian Walsh already confirming he will not vote for the bill.

Jerry Buttimer, Chair of Oireachtas Health Committee and Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, says John Bruton's opinion on the issue is not surprising: