3 FF senators quit over bill

GROWING dissent in Fianna Fáil led to the resignation of three of the party’s senators for “conscientious” reasons ahead of today’s vote on the Civil Partnership Bill.

But heading into the summer break, Taoiseach Brian Cowen held onto his precarious majority in both the Dáil and Seanad and is expected to get over the final hurdle of passing contentious pieces of legislation on the last day of term.

Further damage to the slim three-seat Dáil majority is expected to be averted today when Fianna Fáil Cork TD, Christy O’Sullivan, agrees to vote with the coalition on the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill. Mr O’Sullivan had threatened to vote against the measures to regulate puppy farms. But following a meeting with Mr Cowen yesterday, it’s expected a watered down version of the proposed laws will be presented to the Dáil today and passed into law. The final bill is expected to exclude registration and inspection fees on hunting packs of dogs and those breeding puppies for hunting will not need a group dog licence.