Independent TD Finian McGrath is calling for “calm heads” after a turbulent seven days in Government.

The Disabilities Minister said he strongly disagreed with comments made by Minister Leo Varadkar over the weekend.

The Social Protection Minister said that Independents had destabilised the Government and damaged their own brand by taking a free vote on the bill on fatal foetal abnormalities.

However, Mr McGrath said the Government needed to avoid unnecessary distractions and get on with the job at hand.

He said: “First of all I strongly disagree because I think his comments were very unhelpful. I also think it’s time for calm heads and accept there are a lot of differences.

“We need to focus on the real issues that are on the Programme for Government, the 32nd Dáil is a very diverse Dáil, but we need not be divided.

“We are all united in the cause to make life better for everyone, but we also have to accept that Independents in government will be slightly different to members of Fine Gael.”