TDs’ support for Government dependent on hospital plans

HOSPITALS could yet save the Government from death or send it to an early grave.

The Fianna Fáil and Green Party coalition will begin the Dáil term surviving on the goodwill of a ragbag of independents and dissident deputies.

And a shift in policy regarding regional hospitals could see it through some vital votes.

If the €50 million upgrade of Sligo Hospital goes ahead, rogue Fianna Fáil TDs Jimmy Devins and Eamon Scanlon said they would return to the parliamentary party.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen told the media in Sligo that he expected the errant duo to return. But Dr Devins said his vote would continue to be conditional until the money was delivered.

Even if these two men rejoin the Government, its position will remain precarious.

Recently Independent TD Michael Lowry has begun to flex his muscles.

He has been vocal in North Tipperary on the prospects of cuts to Nenagh General hospital and as recently as last week was seeking assurances regarding rumours that accident and emergency services were being shifted to Limerick. He said there would be political consequences if the hospital suffered.

In the south of Tipperary, renegade Mattie McGrath has said hospital services in Clonmel were a prominent part of his price tag for voting with the Government. He has been under particular pressure from Labour’s health focused senator in the area, Phil Prendergast.

Former Progressive Democrat Independent Noel Grealish has also said his backing for the Government will be tempered because of cuts to hospital services in east Galway.

The outspoken nature of some in the Government benches is also likely to put pressure on others.

Mr Lowry’s constituency colleague Marie Hoctor has rebelled against her own party on similar issues to the Independent.