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.