Resignation threats from John Halligan have bounced the Government into agreeing to a second review of cardiac services at Waterford Hospital to appease the junior minister and his supporters.

Junior minister John Halligan has stepped back from resigning after a row engulfed the Government over the future of health services in Waterford.

The skipper of a vessel that capsized off the Wexford coast, resulting in one fatality, did not know that the boat was overloaded with people.

A defiant John Halligan has told “arrogant” Fine Gael ministers to “shut their mouths” and leave him and his fellow independent minister Finian McGrath alone over their refusal to pay water charges.

Fine Gael will concede four Cabinet seats to Independents today in exchange for their support for a deal to form a Government.

Latest: Outgoing Junior Minister Simon Harris and Meath East TD Regina Doherty look set to be promoted to the senior Cabinet tomorrow by Enda Kenny, writes Daniel Mc Connell.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today

Fine Gael has been accused of trying to renege on previous commitments given to the Independent Alliance on health and in particular Waterford Hospital in meetings at Government Buildings yesterday.

“Who is Gerard Craughwell?” was the question Shane Ross asked me outside Government Buildings shortly after 6pm yesterday.

Divisions over the health crisis, political reform, rail links, State appointments, and agriculture still threaten to derail talks between the Independent Alliance and Fine Gael about forming a Government.

It is never easy, is it? writes Daniel McConnell

The Labour Party looks set to abstain from the vote on Enda Kenny on Thursday, Daniel McConnell, Political Editor with the Irish Examiner has learned.

Fine Gael won two of the four seats in Waterford last time as voters took their ire out on the exiting Fianna Fail government.

The Health Information and Quality Authority has said an unannounced inspection of Waterford Regional Hospital uncovered immediate and serious risks to the health and welfare of patients.

Health Minister Mary Harney says all of the issues outlined in a HIQA assessment of Waterford Regional Hospital are being addressed.

The Health Service Executive has confirmed plans to appoint 60 new consultants to hospitals which have met targets in their A&E departments.

A Co Waterford woman has lodged a formal complaint against Waterford Regional Hospital under the 1947 Health Act.

TWO young motorists, whom gardaí believe were racing each other, were lucky to survive a high-speed crash on a bridge yesterday.

The defence barrister for a Waterford man on trial for the murder of his younger brother has said he has never seen a case with stronger evidence of provocation.

A trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard that the deceased’s blood was found on the clothing of his older brother, who is charged with the Waterford man’s murder.

The South Eastern Health Board has confirmed that Waterford Hospital was involved in the supply of glands from dead children to a drugs firm.

CONTRACT cleaners were back at work at one of the country’s busiest hospitals yesterday after nine days off the payroll in a row that saw 140 staff lose their jobs.

Waterford Regional Hospital has announced plans to offer circumcisions to babies of Muslim and Jewish parents.