Fianna Fáil row with PDs deepens

THE bitter rift between the Government parties widened yesterday with Fianna Fáil backbenchers publicly urging a split with the Progressive Democrats.

The parties clashed again at the weekend as Justice Minister and PD president Michael McDowell reacted to a hard-hitting speech by Communications Minister Dermot Ahern by accusing Fianna Fáil of being mealy-mouthed.

Foreign Affairs Minister Brian Cowen last night sought to play down the rift, denying criticism that the PDs had too much influence on Government.