Nulty loses Govt whip as he votes against VAT rise

The rebel TD Patrick Nulty has finally voted against the Coalition on the Budget.

It was not until the fourth vote of the night on the VAT rise to 23% that the newly elected Dublin West TD finally crossed the floor to the Opposition.

He had earlier backed measures to increase carbon tax, raise the price of cigarettes and increase motor tax.

He now automatically loses the Government whip and is thrown out of the Parliamentary Labour Party.