Comments by a Fianna Fáil backbencher warning that right-wing PD policies were beginning to "infect" his own party aroused little overt support from his colleagues yesterday and were shrugged off by Ministers.
Carlow-Kilkenny TD Mr John McGuinness complained yesterday that PD policies were coming into conflict with those of Fianna Fáil. The minority coalition partner was having a disproportionate influence in Cabinet and was diluting Fianna Fáil's "centre-left" political outlook and its commitment to social justice. He said they should be kept "on a tight rein".
However, the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell of the PDs, reacted somewhat flippantly yesterday, saying he welcomed "Deputy McGuinness's acknowledgement of the PDs' influence in government".
He said every party should attempt to exert its influence.
The chairman of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, Mr Séamus Kirk, said yesterday there was no "command structure" within the party and that people were free to say what they wanted to say on such matters.
Mr McGuinness's remarks did not mean "that his views are reflected on a widespread basis within the party".
He said the issue was not raised at yesterday's meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party.