Back to reality as lovers' tiff jolts Coalition

DÁIL SKETCH:TROUBLE IS brewing in the FG-Labour Coalition paradise, where the glow of the recent high-profile visits to our shores still shines brightly.

Labour unease was very evident in the Dáil yesterday, when the proposals by Minister for Enterprise and Jobs Richard Bruton to reform wage-setting mechanisms in hotels, restaurants, retail and other sectors were raised.

Fianna Fáil’s Éamon Ó Cuív decided to light the fuse which spread rapidly to the Government’s ranks when he observed that Labour Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin was taking the Order of Business.Ó Cuív wondered if Bruton, who was not in the chamber, had consulted Labour on the issue.

Howlin, in a self-assured performance, lost no time in putting his party’s view on the record. “There are no predetermined outcomes for the discussions that will be undertaken in the coming weeks with the social partners,” he said.

“The matter will come back to Government for a decision.”

Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty attempted to add to Labour’s embarrassment. Based on what Bruton had said, there was a real fear that he was about to cut the incomes of the lowest paid, including hundreds of thousands of people who depended on payments for unsocial hours and Sunday work, he said.

Howlin referred again to the talks between the Government and the social partners, adding “the Minister will have his own views”.

Two new Labour backbenchers, Aodhán Ó Riordáin and Colm Keaveney, had their hands raised to catch the Ceann Comhairle’s attention.

Ó Riordáin wanted to know if the consultation with the social partners would be “on the basis of the recently published report or on the basis of the statement by the Minister”.

Keaveney was more blunt, referring to Bruton’s “personal initiatives”, adding that there would be a significant burden on family income supplements if they were pursued.

As Bruton was hung out to dry by his Labour colleagues, Fianna Fáil, still in the throes of post-election trauma, was clearly delighted.

“They are being hard on the Minister today,” said Timmy Dooley, with mock concern. “Was there a party meeting?”

Howlin urged the Opposition to read the “nuanced and balanced” Duffy-Walsh report on the issue.

From deep in the Fine Gael benches, Jerry Buttimer saw a crumb of comfort for his party.

“Did Deputy Dooley hear that?” he asked.

Labour’s Michael McCarthy moved to turn the heat on Fianna Fáil. He asked when the Government would publish legislation to broaden the Freedom of Information Act, which had been “filleted” by former Fianna Fáil minister Charlie McCreevy.

Howlin, who must have been pleased with the diversion, said it would be brought before the House as soon as possible.

The euphoria generated by the visits of Queen Elizabeth and President Barack Obama is fading. Real life is returning to Leinster House.

Fine Gael and Labour have had their first political lovers’ quarrel in public view.

Even Fianna Fáil TDs are allowing themselves a tentative half-smile.