Monaghan TD says he will back Govt if PDs jump ship

Independent TD Paudge Connolly has said he is prepared to support the Government if the Progressive Democrats abandon their coalition with Fianna Fáil.

The PDs have maintained an unbroken silence every since the Taoiseach's Dáil appearance yesterday to answer questions about the purchase of his home, prompting speculation that they may jump ship.

Party leader Michael McDowell is said to be furious that he was not give the information about the purchase of the Taoiseach's house in Drumcondra before he gave the Bertie Ahern his backing earlier this week.

Government chief whip Tom Kitt has made it clear that Fianna Fáil is prepared to seek the support of independent TDs in order to remain in power should the PDs withdraw from the coalition.

Mr Connolly, who was elected as a campaigner against the downgrading of Monaghan Hospital, said today that he would be willing to come on board if such a scenario materialised.

"This is a dream situation for any independent TD," he said. "There's an opportunity here for TDs to barter with the Government and to say: 'This is what I need if I'm to give you support'.

"I was clearly elected on a hospital ticket and I would be asking the Government to secure services at Monaghan General Hospital going into the future."

Clare TD James Breen, meanwhile, says he will also give full consideration to any request for his support.

However, Mr Breen says his decision would depend on the delivery of a number of local projects for his constituency.

"If it happens, I will sit back and evaluate the situation and I will do what's in the best interests of the country and for the democratic mandate the people of Clare gave me," he said.