Coalition split over winter fuel assistance

MINISTERS were heading for a coalition flash-point over winter fuel payments last night as the Greens insisted the benefit must be boosted.

The stance appeared to put John Gormley on a collision course with Brian Lenihan, who has signalled he prefers using available funds to bolster heat efficiency in homes instead.

However, Green leader Mr Gormley was standing over his pledge that the allowance would “absolutely” rise ahead of a cabinet showdown on the issue, as Government sources made it clear an increase was not the Finance Minister’s preferred option.