Housing grant won’t be restored, says Ahern

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern is prepared to call the bluff of up to a dozen rebel Fianna Fáil TDs clamouring for restoration of the first-time house buyers’ grant or then introduction of replacement support measures.

Last night, Mr Ahern made it clear there will be no reversal of the decision to end the 3,800 first-time house grant and senior government officials said any replacement support, such as extra tax exemptions, was not likely to happen.

FF sources said the Government is confident that when push comes to shove none of the dissenters will vote against their own policies. However Kerry independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae yesterday said he will vote against FF for the first time ever since his election in June 1997.

The Labour Party moved yesterday to exploit FF backbenchers’ discontent at the sharp cutbacks detailed in the 2003 Estimates by tabling a motion calling for the restoration of the first-time buyers’ grant.

“We’re calling on the Fianna Fáil backbenchers who have been complaining to put their vote where their mouth is and support us,” Labour environment spokesman Eamon Gilmore said.

The Labour motion will be debated today and again tomorrow when a vote will be taken.

Both the Taoiseach and Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy face a tough grilling when the FF TDs and Senators gather for their weekly parliamentary party meeting tomorrow.

Assistant chief whip Billy Kelleher said the meeting would allow a full debate and he hoped the Government could offer some support to first-time buyers.

But most of the key rebels made it clear they would not break ranks and vote against the Government. Cork East FF TD Ned O’Keeffe said he was concerned at cuts in the farm budget and he accused the

Government of adopting all the right-wing Thatcherite policies promoted by the Progressive Democrats.

“I will not support the Labour motion. But we have a big internal fight to get back to our own centre-left Fianna Fáil policies,” Mr O’Keeffe said.

Tipperary North TD Maire Hoctor said she wanted to hear a lot more debate before making up her mind on how she might vote.

The Dáil newcomer said she favoured extra taxes on drink and tobacco rather than cutbacks for people struggling to get their own home.

Jackie Healy-Rae said he will vote against the Government's plans to abolish the first- time house buyer’s grant. He said he got an almighty roasting on the issue in his Kerry South constituency during the weekend.

Others who have publicly voiced various concerns about the Estimate cutbacks include veteran former minister Dr Michael Woods, Cork North Central TD Noel O’Flynn, Dublin South East TD Eoin Ryan, John McGuinness of Kilkenny, John Carty of Mayo, GV Wright of Dublin North, Charlie O’Connor of Dublin South East, and Brendan Smith of Cavan-Monaghan. Others have also privately expressed their concerns.