Parties set to redraft confidence and supply agreement

FINE Gael and Fianna Fáil are to redraft the agreement underpinning the minority Government as a result of the justice controversy that brought the country to the brink of a snap general election.

Senior sources on both sides last night confirmed a review of the ‘confidence and supply agreement’ is now warranted in order to prolong the length of the current administration.

The current agreement is due to last three budgets until October 2018.

But it’s widely accepted that an election will now be called in the coming months – with all parties arranging selection conventions.

Last night, senior sources said the agreement will be reworked to take into account the recent justice controversy.

The fallout from the controversy has meant changes are focusing on the Department of Justice.

Under proposals, an independent group will be established to implement the recommendations of the Toland Report.

As part of the expected changes, the new independent group requested by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin (right) will review the culture within the department and make recommendations.

The relationship between the department and gardaí will also be reviewed as part of the process set to be an- nounced as an insertion into the confidence and supply agreement.

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will announce Frances Fitzgerald’s replacement as tánaiste and business minister today as part of a minireshuffle.

Sources told the Irish Independent that Foreign Affairs Minister and leadership rival Simon Coveney is the “clear favourite” for the job of tánaiste.

However, Culture Minister Heather Humphreys is also in frame.

Ms Humphreys is also being linked to the position of business minister, which has a direct role in the Government’s Brexit strategy.

“As a minister from the border region she has a better understanding than most of the issues and how they affect business,” said a source.

Speculation is also rife that Dublin Rathdown TD Josepha Madigan could be plucked from the backbenches and promoted to a senior or junior ministry.

“There isn’t going to be a big shake-up but there’s room for a little movement,” said a source.

In the Dáil, Mr Varadkar sought to regain some political ground with an attack on Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams.

He said the outgoing Sinn Féin leader “is free to criticise my handling of the events of recent days”, but added that as Taoiseach he would not rush to judgment.

Meanwhile, Ms Fitzgerald received a standing ovation from Fine Gael colleagues in Leinster House as she made a surprise appearance at a party meeting.

She thanked TDs and senators for their support in recent days.

Mr Varadkar said he expected Ms Fitzgerald to return to a high level of Irish politics once she is vindicated at the Charleton Tribunal.

He told the Fine Ga el gatheringthat he had not engaged in a “game of poker” with Fianna Fáil leader Mr Martin.

“I was showing personal and party loyalty to a colleague,” he said.

“As long as I’m party leader I’ll stand by you all,” he added.