Independents and defectors ‘ready to back budget’

THE Government is confident of shoring up enough support to push through the harshest budget in years following a number of meetings with independent TDs and Fianna Fáil defectors whose votes are crucial to pass it in the Dáil.

Former Progressive Democrat TD, Noel Grealish, who had threatened to further reduce the Government’s wafer-thin majority, has still not guaranteed his vote for the budget following talks with the Taoiseach last night.

He will meet with Brian Cowen this morning in a last-minute effort to secure a number of measures for his Galway West constituency in exchange for his Dáil vote.