Greens insist Government stability is not under threat despite suspensions

Pauline O’Reilly said she and her party colleagues hope that both deputies will return to the fold after six months.

Neasa Hourigan (pictured) and Patrick Costello voted against the government on a motion on the National Maternity Hospital. File picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

There is no threat to the stability of the Government despite the six-month expulsion of two Green Party TDs after they voted with the Opposition, a coalition senator has said.

Green Party Senator and close Eamon Ryan ally Pauline O’Reilly said her party whip had forewarned Neasa Hourigan and Patrick Costello that sanctions would apply were they to vote against the government as they did on Wednesday night on a motion on the National Maternity Hospital.