Narrow margins could push Leo to call general election after budget

Things have changed, apparently unexpectedly. The resignation of Louth TD Peter Fitzpatrick from Fine Gael on Monday does not automatically change events, but it may do so dramatically. 

There is no danger of the budget falling next Tuesday. Fine Gael has the numbers — with a few others — to give it a majority, when Fianna Fáil abstains, which it will.

What Fitzpatrick’s departure changes, without making any assumption about how he will vote, is the political context ahead.