Efforts to repair Coalition rift after protest vote

EFFORTS to repair a fraught relationship between the Green Party and Fianna Fáil has begun after an embarrassing protest by the junior coalition’s two senators.

Party chairman Dan Boyle and Déirdre de Búrca surprised Taoiseach Brian Cowen by abstaining from Tuesday night’s vote on the new criminal justice bill.

Yesterday they were supported by Communication’s Minister Eamon Ryan who said the party had been aware of the senators’ grievances.