Plea for rebels to rally to the cause

A PLEA for Fianna Fáil rebels to rally behind the Government was issued by Brian Cowen last night as he faced into a succession of knife-edge votes when the Dáil returns.

The embattled Taoiseach offered an olive branch to the four TDs who quit the parliamentary party due to issues centred on their constituencies. Mr Cowen noted the four had continued to back the Government on the main decisions, but made it clear he would like to see them returned officially to the party fold.

When the Dáil returns from its 81-day summer break on September 29, Mr Cowen’s Government – which is technically a minority administration relying on the four whip-less TDs to survive – faces a rough ride towards the budget.