Sinn Féin has suspended its Meath West deputy Peadar Toibín for six months after he went against the whip on the abortion vote.

Mr Toibín voted in favour of an amendment to remove the suicide clause from the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013 during the debate on the legislation last night. The amendment was rejected by the Government.

Shortly after the final vote on the Bill, Sinn Féin whip Aengus Ó Snodaigh confirmed Mr Toibín had been suspended.

Mr Toibín has already been removed as the chair of the Petitions Committee due to his opposition to the party’s position on the abortion Bill.

In a statement Mr Ó Snodaigh said: “Sinn Féin has supported the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill and all Sinn Féin TDs were mandated to vote for this legislation.

“The decision this evening by Peadar Toibín TD to vote against the Sinn Féin position is a serious breach of party rules.

“As a consequence Peadar Toibín has been suspended from Sinn Féin for six months with immediate effect.”