Fianna Fáil TDs intend to seek further changes to the Government's plans to update Ireland's drinking laws, following a meeting last night with the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell.
Despite speculation in some quarters that the encounter would descend into a row, the Minister was applauded by most Fianna Fáil TDs present as he entered and left.
Refusing to put the drafting of his legislation on hold, the Minister offered repeatedly to accept workable amendments from Fianna Fáil TDs.
The declaration satisfied most of those present, particularly since the 300-page Bill will not be ready for months.
No criticism was expressed at the meeting of the Minister's general performance in Government, despite persistent complaints last week from some Fianna Fáil backbenchers.
The Minister's opening contribution to the hour-long meeting calmed tensions between the sides, as he was felt to have struck a conciliatory tone.
Mr McDowell, however, was said to have overplayed his hand in his concluding remarks, particularly by criticising Dr Joe Barry of the Irish Medical Organisation. Dismissing the criticisms levelled by the doctor at the Minister's cafe bar proposals, Mr McDowell said Dr Barry was one of those who favoured offering needles to prisoners.
His remarks provoked some jeers, according to a number of sources. "You can always depend on his natural arrogance to go too far," said one Fianna Fáil TD.
In general, most TDs spoken to by The Irish Times last night believed that he had calmed the situation. "It was arrogant, but friendly," said one.
Cork North Central TD Noel O'Flynn said he had extended an olive branch.
"Personally I would have great respect and admiration for him," Mr O'Flynn said.
Some TDs expressed deep irritation at suggestions that they had opposed the original text of the legislation in response to lobbying by vintners.
The Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party may now work on its own policy over the summer for debate at their post-summer gathering in Co Cavan in September.
Plans to let restaurants sell all forms of alcohol were not opposed by Fianna Fáil TDs last night, though a number said the Minister would have to provide extra details.
However, TDs will certainly look for extra curbs on the rapidly growing number of off-licences, including restrictions on opening hours.
Some want restrictions to prevent the transfer of rural pub licences to Dublin, which has been allowed since changes were introduced in the late 1990s.
The Minister is due to return to the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party, though it is not clear if this will happen next week, within weeks, or not until after the summer break.
"Nothing definite has been arranged. He was asked to make it next week. He said he would have to check his diary," said Government Chief Whip Tom Kitt.
