McGrath threatens to withdraw support from Govt

A dispute over cuts to hospital services is threatening the Government's survival.

Despite positive results for Fianna Fáil in the latest poll, South Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath has said he would not support the coalition on the planned removal of acute services at South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel.

The latest Sunday Business Post RED C poll makes for positive reading for Fianna Fáil in that support for both Labour and Fine Gael is down by four and two points respectively - while Fianna Fáil is holding steady at 24% and coalition partners the Greens are up a point.

That is despite the much talked about radio interview by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

But while support for Fine Gael has dropped over the summer months, the party is still the most popular in the country, with 31% support.

South Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath - who lost the Fianna Fáil whip during the summer has joined Galway West TD Noel Grealish in withdrawing support for the Government over planned health cuts.