Image: Former Fianna Fail Senator Jim Walsh Photograph: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

A Fianna Fáil Senator has resigned from the party this afternoon.

Jim Walsh, from Wexford, is opposed to the Children and Family Relationships Bill which is going through the Seanad.

Mr Walsh – who is from the conservative wing of the party - has tabled several amendments to the bill, including that IVF treatment only be available to heterosexual couples.

The Bill deals with a number of issues, including adoption rights for same sex couples.

Mr Walsh met with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin this morning, and resigned the whip this afternoon.

This is not the first time Mr Walsh been outside the party whip as he also resigned over the Civil Partnership Bill.