Government 'in lockstep' over removal of triple lock, despite backlash from Fianna Fáil TDs

Defence minister Helen McEntee dismissed suggestions unhappiness among some TDs in Fianna Fáil would delay the plan

Under the triple lock, there must be Government approval, Dáil approval and UN approval to deploy more than 12 peacekeepers.

Defence minister Helen McEntee has insisted the Government is in “lockstep” on the removal of the triple lock as she dismissed suggestions TDs would be given a free vote.

It comes amid a growing backlash in Fianna Fáil from some members, who see the change in Ireland’s mechanism for deploying Defence Forces personnel as a “fundamental shift” in policy.