FG JITTERY OVER INDEPENDENTS’ ‘MATHS’
UnEasE is spreading within the Government over the quality of the Independent support it needs if it is to pass the Budget.
a majority of the Dail without Fianna Fail seats counted is 58. To date FG has operated with 57 whipped TDs – 50 FG, two Independent Ministers and five Independent alliances – an unofficial deal with Michael Lowry, and the occasional support of Michael Harty.
However, the anticipated departure of FG TD Peter Fitzpatrick to the Independent benches on Tuesday has destabilised the arithmetic.
One senior Fine Gael source said: ‘Relations with the Independent alliance has never been better, if only because they are in mortal terror about facing the voters. Zappone and naughten are in a similar boat.’
The problem, they added is if ‘Fitzpatrick joins the Independent ranks, the Government will consistently need the support of two of an Independent gang of five to stay in power’.
Technically, they said: ‘We are now a minority administration.’