The Government chief whip, Mr Seamus Brennan, will try to strike a deal running into 2001 with the four Independent TDs who support the Coalition, writes Denis Coghlan.
Over the coming months, Mr Brennan will attempt to "firm up" the support of Independents in the autumn Dail session by offering to take their concerns into account in the December Budget.
Regional development matters, childcare, housing, roads and other specific constituency concerns are likely to be on the "shopping lists" of Mr Jackie Healy-Rae, Ms Mildred Fox, Mr Harry Blaney and Mr Tom Gildea when they meet Mr Brennan.
However, they are unlikely to break with the present ad hoc arrangement and offer guarantees of support for a fixed time. Instead, the Government will concentrate on securing their support through concessions that will be made incrementally available through the Budget and by way of ministerial direction.