Independents:Fianna Fáil yesterday finalised deals valued at hundreds of millions of euro with Independent TDs Finian McGrath and Michael Lowry in exchange for their support for the new government over its five-year term.
This brings to three the number of Independents who have so far signed up to support the coalition, with Kerry South deputy, Jackie Healy-Rae, striking a deal on Monday.
It is understood that talks were ongoing last night for the support of a fourth Independent, former Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo, Beverley Flynn. Fianna Fáil had not sought the support of the fifth Independent TD in the new Dáil, Tony Gregory, who is in the same constituency as Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Dublin Central. Neither Mr Lowry, who represents Tipperary North, nor Mr McGrath who was elected to Dublin North Central, would reveal details of their deals, saying that they owe it to their constituents to tell them first as they are rolled out.
However, Mr McGrath did say that what he has agreed is worth hundreds of millions of euro nationally, including €300 million for services for people with disabilities.
He also said he has a commitment for the establishment of a national centre for cystic fibrosis and funding for the Central Remedial Clinic in Clontarf.
He said on last night that Fianna Fáil also signed off on a development for his constituency, which will benefit 300 people, and he would announce details in the Dáil today.
Mr McGrath also said that he and the Greens were negotiating for a change in Dáil procedures to ensure that no group is excluded from speaking time in the Dáil. Under current rules, a technical group of more than seven deputies can come together for speaking rights.
"Part of my ongoing negotiations will be to ensure every person in the Dáil has the right and responsibility to be allowed to speak in the Dáil. That's a very important issue for me. There is no way am I going to hang the technical group to dry, and Greens agree with me," he said.
Mr McGrath added that there has been a compromise on the use of Shannon by US military along the lines of the concession the Greens got on this issue. He said he was "sad" that Tony Gregory was not directly involved in any deal and that he told Mr Ahern that he would make an "excellent" ceann comhairle or minister of state with responsibility for areas like drugs.
On Mr Ahern's finances and the Mahon tribunal, he said he "will make decisions as things arise, but will endeavour to stick to my word and my bond. But I don't see that arising in the immediate future, but if it arises I will have to deal with that and discuss it with my election team".
Meanwhile, Mr Lowry said that he has agreed a deal that will result in tens of millions of euro being invested in North Tipperary over the next five years, in areas such as health services, roads infrastructure, community facilities and other public services.
He has already had discussions with the management of North Tipperary County Council and senior personnel in the Health Service Executive about how to work in a co-ordinated manner to deliver on the projects within a reasonable timescale.
Mr Lowry said that in making the decision to support Mr Ahern, he was conscious that there was a strong element of personal political risk.
"But my overriding concern was my sense of obligation and responsibility to maximise the opportunity available and to deliver in a practical and meaningful way to the development and enhancement of North Tipperary and its people. I have put Tipperary first and I am confident that my decision will be justified. "
Mr Lowry said that he did not see his support of Mr Ahern as a "betrayal" of his former party. "I see it as pragmatic politics," he added.