FF in secret talks with Independents

THE Taoiseach’s top officials have been holding ongoing secret meetings with Independent TDs who previously propped up the Government.

The revelation came as the tensions between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats intensified over Education Minister Noel Dempsey's plans to reintroduce third-level fees.

The Independents have been described as a back-up plan for Fianna Fáil in the event of the coalition with the PDs collapsing.

Yesterday, the PDs ruled out the possibility of college fees or even loans being introduced by the Government. Bertie Ahern said the matter would be cleared up before the start of the Leaving Certificate exams in a fortnight.

PD chief whip Liz O'Donnell said the fees debate was more fundamental than the dispute over the development of the National Stadium as it affected far more people.

"We have not ceded the principle of the re-introduction of fees nor have we ceded any ground on the concept of a loan system," Ms O'Donnell said.

In the six years of the FF-PD Coalition, the parties used various ways of dealing with potential conflict and avoiding public disagreement, but that has not happened this time, she said. "The only way we have of reading Noel Dempsey's mind is through the media and I think that's very disappointing," Ms O'Donnell said.

According to Nuacht TG4 reports, a senior civil servant from the Department of An Taoiseach has been meeting with Kerry South TD Jackie Healy-Rae, Wicklow TD Mildred Fox and Donegal North-East TD Niall Blaney, son of Harry Blaney, who supported the Government from 1997 to 2002.

Last night, Ms Fox said the meetings took place every week and Mr Blaney said he used the briefings to get things done.

But a Government spokesperson said the contact with the official who assists the Chief Whips office was only on an occasional basis and sometimes over the telephone.

During the meetings, the official goes through upcoming legislation and the TDs say if they will be voting with the Government.

According to Ms Fox, the special treatment is a watered-down version of their previous arrangement with the Government, but the Independents can phone to make inquiries about issues that arise.

"They don't need our support but they would like it anyway. I would see it as an acknowledgement of our long-standing support for this Government," she said.