ANNE FERRIS HAS officially rejoined the Labour Party after being forced out in February for voting against the government on Clare Daly’s abortion bill.

She rejected the Government’s claim that the fatal foetal abnormalities bill was unconstitutional, saying she was not comfortable with forcing women to go abroad to get an abortion.

Ferris spent her first days in a mother and baby home and at the time of the vote she also explained how she had ‘her little girl taken’ from her.

The Wicklow TD was the only Labour member to defy the government by supporting the proposed legislation. However, the vote was defeated by 104 votes to 20.

The request by Anne Ferris to rejoin was agreed unanimously at today’s meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party.

In a statement tonight, Ferris said: “I’m really happy to be making a return to the Parliamentary Labour Party.”

Party Chair Emmet Stagg’s added that Labour is ‘delighted’ to welcome her back.

Joan Burton said: “It’s really great to have Anne back in the fold. She is a great friend and colleague and has been an inspiration to us all when it comes to issues such as adoption and women’s rights.

“We are making great progress on Adoption Tracing legislation and I would to thank Anne for the contribution she has made in making this happen.”

Ferris added, “I’m now looking forward to getting down to the business of contesting the General Election for Labour Party in Wicklow.”

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