Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has defended her party's decision not to discipline Peadar Tóibín for campaigning for a 'No' vote in the upcoming abortion referendum.

Although the party is campaigning for a repeal vote, they have stated that Tóibín is free to canvass for whichever position he wishes.

Peadar Tóibín joined us to explain his position: "On an individual basis I would believe that abortion equals inequality."

"On a society basis, minorities get affected far more. In the States, for example, if you're from a low income or ethnic background, you're far more likely to get an abortion or to be aborted. We've also seen gender selection abortion in some countries for cultural and economic reasons."

When asked whether he would be speaking in a personal capacity rather than as a Sinn Féin TD, Tóibín said: "We should allow for every citizen to participate in a respectful fashion."

"The more diversity of views that engage in this process has to lead to a better result."

To catch the full chat press the play button on the image on the top of the screen