Independents, SF form group

SINN FÉIN and two Independent TDs have formed a technical group in the Dáil which will allow them to grill Taoiseach Brian Cowen and get more speaking rights in the chamber.

Small parties and Independents can form a technical group to get enhanced speaking rights if they have seven or more TDs. The election of Pearse Doherty in the recent Donegal by-election gave Sinn Féin five TDs. They have now joined with Finian McGrath and Maureen O’Sullivan.