No defectors on first Budget vote

No backbenchers have defected on the first vote in Budget 2013.

Motions to increase the price of drink and tobacco from midnight passed by 108 votes to 49.

Even deputies like Roisin Shortall, Patrick Nulty, Tommy Broughan and Denis Naughten who lost their party whips on votes, all sided with the Government.

The Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin earlier said he is confident that Labour backbenchers will support the budget.