FF and Greens to discuss fallout from election defeat

Fianna Fáil and Green Party TDs and Senators are due to hold separate meetings today to discuss the fallout from their electoral drubbing over the weekend.

Both parties suffered widespread seat losses in the local elections, with Fianna Fáil also losing one of its MEPs in the European elections and one of its Dáil seats in the Dublin South by-election.

Fianna Fáil ministers have been insisting that the outcome will not threaten the Government and the Green Party leadership has also indicated that it is unlikely to pull out of the coalition.

However, many ordinary Green members are understood to be unhappy with the alliance with Fianna Fáil.

There is also speculation about a possible revolt against Brian Cowen by disgruntled Fianna Fáil backbenchers.