FG pins hopes on Michael and Jackie

INDEPENDENT TDs Michael Lowry and Jackie Healy-Rae could pull off an unusual political feat if they support the budget. They will get the Government off the hook. And they could get the main opposition party off the hook too.

It’s not every day that someone makes both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael happy at the same time. But Messrs Lowry and Healy-Rae may be about to do it.

The Government believes the budget must be passed in order to send a firm signal to the watching world that Ireland is serious about tackling its problems.