The Fianna Fáil leader has this evening described controversial comments on abortion by one of his Senators as "excessive".

Earlier today Senator Terry Leyden told the party's Ard Fheis in Dublin's RDS that without right to life there would be little point in having policies on childcare and education.

"What's more important than pre-school and schooling but the right to life" he told members.

"Without the right to life there's no pre-schooling, there'll be no schooling, what I'd say to you is this is the big issue of the day and we have to ensure that our policies are continued into the future" he added.

But tonight Mr Martin's hit back at what he called Senator Leyden's "excessive" comments.

"There's always a need for childcare policy and education policy" he said.

Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte reacted angrily to comments made by Senator Leyden at their Ard Fheis today.

The issue of abortion is set to take centre stage at the event this evening with four motions demanding the party opposes legislation allowing for suicide as a grounds for a termination.

The party says it will not be bound by any of the motions, but will be guided by them.