Coalition partners jockey for position in blame game

NOTHING has been more important for the Coalition than getting a satisfactory deal on the promissory note issue.

Easing the bank debt burden was central to the election pledges of both Fine Gael and Labour, helping them sweep into power in early 2011.

Having secured the largest majority in the history of the State, the Coalition set itself the principal task of getting a deal, thus smoothing the exiting from the IMF bailout.