Zappone controversy has 'brought the government closer together', say senior Fine Gael sources

'If Fianna Fáil or Micheál Martin mess up', there will be no problem in getting Fine Gael TDs to defend them, the source said

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, and An Taoiseach Micheál Martin; senior people in Fine Gael say the coalition is stronger than ever after the response to the Zappone appointment. File picture: Julien Behal

Fianna Fáil and the Greens have “earned the loyalty” of Fine Gael on foot of the Katherine Zappone affair, even from those who opposed the coalition’s formation.

This is according to very senior people in Fine Gael, close to Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, who have made clear that the support shown by the other parties has “brought the government closer”.