Dáil Sketch / Michael O'Regan: Mary Harney fluttered her political eyelashes at Fine Gael and Labour last weekend, holding out the possibility of sharing power with them after the next election.
Fianna Fáil's Dermot Ahern has advised Labour not to rule out joining the Soldiers of Destiny in political matrimony in the future.
But yesterday, all the signs were that the FF-PD marriage of convenience is thriving, while the chemistry with would-be suitors on the Opposition benches is very negative.
The bonding issue on the Government side was the manner in which it claims it is dealing with the problem of anti-social behaviour.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte asked the Taoiseach if he appreciated that people were living in fear in communities "because of vandalism, petty crime, anti-social behaviour, and congregating youths whose activities are characterised by menace, intimidation and harassment".
Mr Ahern said the Government was spending 90 per cent more on the Garda than it did in 1997, with improved technology, manpower, facilities and prisons.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell, who with Ms Harney had whispered some verbal ammunition to the Taoiseach, beamed.
"It is the failure of the Minister for Justice," declared Labour's Tommy Broughan, as his party colleagues joined in the exchanges. An exasperated Taoiseach said: "The Labour party members are on cue this morning. As soon as the Taoiseach speaks, they all start chattering. If they would stay quiet for a minute, I would give them some facts." Addressing the Labour benches, Minister for Finance Brian Cowen interjected: "They are desperately trying to display a semblance of unity."
Mr Ahern praised Mr McDowell, as he accused Mr Rabbitte of having no interest in supporting "tough action by a tough Minister".
The Green Party got equally short shrift from the Taoiseach, when its leader, Trevor Sargent, asked why the Government was ignoring EU Commission demands to introduce legislation to regulate waste water plants.
"It says we need to protect water sources and that disinfecting water with chlorine is linked to various cancers," he added.
"I am delighted that Deputy Sargent is taking such a pro-European stance," said Mr Ahern dryly. "He opposed every treaty, but he uses every power that the treaties give us."
Mr Sargent's colleague, John Gormley, said the Taoiseach should answer the question. "I will, but the inconsistency amuses me," replied Mr Ahern. "I am entitled to be amused."