From rail to turf: What the Independents fought for

Everything from rail services, to agriculture, turf-cutting, to hospitals and fights over ministerial positions all caused major wobbles among Independents which almost scuppered a government deal.

Up until the last minute yesterday it was unclear as to whether the Independent Alliance would support a Fine Gael-led government.

There were frantic phonecalls and harsh words as both sides tried to iron out the issue of turf. Lawyers for Michael Fitzmaurice had advised him planning exemptions could be introduced, but the Government’s legal advisers maintained this could not be done because of EU laws. The issue remained at a deadlock. Talks led by Michael Noonan on the issue will now continue and it is hoped Mr Fitzmaurice will be able to return to the fold in the coming weeks.