A Fine Gael deputy has accused Labour of always being available when Fianna Fáil is under pressure and in need of "a political cuddle".

Fine Gael's Richard Bruton has defended his party's position following its reversal of a threat to block the Taoiseach from attending an important EU summit by refusing to sanction a pairing arrangement for Dáil votes.

Labour's Ruairi Quinn is insisting he did not set out to humiliate Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny when he yesterday stepped in to provide a pairing arrangement for the Tánaiste to allow her go on an Enterprise Ireland mission to the US.

Fine Gael now says it won't block Taoiseach Brian Cowen from attending an Asia Europe summit in Brussels next week.