Grealish heaps the pressure on Cowen

BRIAN COWEN’S grip on the Dáil weakened further last night after an independent TD withdrew support in protest at health cuts.

Former PD deputy Noel Grealish insisted the Taoiseach could no longer count on his vote – but made it clear he was open to a deal to come back into the fold.

With Mr Cowen heading what is, technically, a minority administration because he relies on the backing of four Fianna Fáil TDs , who are no longer subject to the party whip, in order to pass legislation, the Galway West TD is in a strong position.