A further erosion of democracy

GIVEN Labour’s noted reluctance to be seen in company with Fianna Fáil, the pair made strange bedfellows in the Dáil yesterday.

Perhaps even more curious was the nature of the deal struck between them which will result in further restrictions being imposed on the time allocated for the Taoiseach to answer questions on matters of public interest in Leinster House.

Seen by the other parties as a dirty deal between Labour and Fianna Fáil, from today onwards Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will no longer have to face questions during the Thursday session.