An anti-abortion senator has claimed that the public did not vote to legalise abortion up to 12 weeks and has asked politicians to legislate as they “see fit”.

In a last-minute appeal to restrict abortion access in Ireland, Rónán Mullen has urged TDs and senators to “represent the concerns” of those who voted against repealing the Eighth Amendment in any new abortion law.

Mr Mullen, 47, also questioned why abortion should be funded by taxpayers and encouraged the Oireachtas to pass a law that would “encourage” women to continue their pregnancies.

The letter, seen by The Times, was sent before the bill to legalise access was introduced in the Dáil this week. The bill, which would allow access to abortion up to 12 weeks,