FG threatens Dail walkout over legislation debate

Fine Gael has threatened to walk out of the Dail if the Government tries to proceed with a debate on the proposed changes to legislation covering the judiciary later today.

Both opposition parties have already expressed their displeasure at the changes announced by Justice Minister John O'Donoghue.

Fine Gael leader Michael Noonan said his party had been given no time to scrutinise the amended legislation and as such could not give it its support.

He warned that if the Government voted to "force a debate, we will leave the House and the Minister can carry on his own".