MICHAEL D Higgins revealed on Questions and Answers on Monday that he was unaware of his leader Dick Spring's intention to rule out coalition with Fianna Fail when he addressed the Labour conference last weekend. Indeed, it now appears that the Labour leader did not consult his front bench on this vital issue but took the decision himself.
While they knew he was thinking along these lines, not all were pleased with the force of his pronouncement; they liked working with FF. It is believed that four of the six Labour Cabinet Ministers - Michael D, Ruairi Quinn, Brendan Howlin and Mervyn Taylor - felt the door should have been left ajar.
So what if, when the votes are counted, the only viable outcome, apart from a revolutionary FF/FG coalition, is an FF/Labour alliance? Dick Spring will go to a delegate conference saying he can't recommend such a pact. Others will argue against him. On a vote between another round of Mercs and perks and facing a second gruelling election, those advocating a deal with Fianna Fail are likely to win. Dick will step down as Labour leader; Ruairi will take over and lead a government with his good pal Bertie Ahern.
Down the road Dick will get a big job in Europe - possibly replacing Pee Flynn as Commissioner when his term is up in 1999. It's a scenario that is being suggested.