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»»td insists no »»Fg won’t rule need for a vote it out if deal fails

A VETERAN TD yesterday claimed there will not be any need for a new election if the Programme for Government is rejected.

Fianna Fail’s Eamon O Cuiv said it would be reckless to go to the polls at this critical time.

He made the claim as Tanaiste Simon Coveney said another election cannot be ruled out if the Programme for Government is voted down this week.

Deputy O Cuiv, who wrote to party members saying accepting the deal is the beginning of the end of Fianna Fail, accused his leader Micheal Martin and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of “scaremongering”.

He said if the Greens reject the accord “there is no crisis” because there are alternatives other than an election.

O Cuiv, top, & Coveney

Mr O Cuiv told Clare FM: “There is nothing to stop, for the short term, for the interim period which I have no problem with, for a Government being formed.

“For example, Fine Gael supporting Fianna Fail as we’ve supported them in the last Government and the Independents coming on with us. There are enough sane heads in Leinster House to make sure there is a government by the weekend.

“It is totally scaremongering to say otherwise.”

But when asked if another election could be on the cards if the deal does not pass, Mr Coveney told RTE: “We can’t rule out anything. Our focus will be on getting this deal passed and putting in place a government that can work for people when the country needs it.” He said this is a difficult week for Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Green Party because there is division among members and politicians about the deal.

Mr Coveney added: “Within Fine Gael there are lots of people who still find it difficult to contemplate going into government with Fianna Fail. “Politics has changed and if Fine Gael defines itself by its past and its past relationship with Fianna Fail then I believe the electorate will move away from us.”

The results of the party votes are due on Friday and they must back the deal for Mr Martin to be elected Taoiseach when the Dail sits on Saturday.

CLAIMS

SIMON COVENEY YESTERDAY