Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD says there’s no point in trying to keep a government, simply for the sake of it.
Deputy Timmy Dooley has been responding to reports that he, and other senior Fianna Fáil members, are concerned an extension the the confidence and supply agreement would limit the party’s ability to fully oppose the government on key issues.
Deputy Dooley insists budget discussions remain their priority, while his Fine Gael counterpart Pat Breen is hopeful that a deal will be struck.
There’s been a stand-off between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael ahead of next month’s budget.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar wanted early discussions to renew the confidence and supply agreement, but his approach was rebuffed by Micheál Martin.
As he holds off on discussions until after the budget, there have bee suggestions that some Fianna Fáil figures, including the party’s Clare TD, are concerned that if they extend the deal, then it would hamper their ability to oppose the government on matters such as housing and health.
But while Deputy Dooley has denied that he’s concerned about any extension of the deal, he insists improvements are needed in those areas.
Clare’s Junior Minister has called on Fianna Fáil to get on with negotiations, saying it’s vital the confidence and supply agreement remains in place.
Pat Breen has defended the government’s overall track record, and feels its important that the agreement is extended to 2020.
