BACKBENCH REACTION: Government backbenchers left Leinster House for their constituencies last night bracing themselves for a public backlash over the massive slowdown in Government spending.
However, there was barely a whimper from TDs at the briefing for backbenchers held by the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, after the Estimates launch.
The 45-minute-long meeting was in stark contrast to the stormy session the Minister had with deputies in Killarney in September over public spending cutbacks.
One TD said Mr McCreevy and his Cabinet colleagues were very open in their handling of the details.
"They clearly learned their lesson over the summer and realise now that they must keep us informed. After all it is the backbenchers that get it in the neck in the constituencies. The communications lines are now far more open than they were before," said one backbencher.
One rural TD said while they didn't like the Estimates news, they realised Mr McCreevy had little choice.
"The message has gone home that we are in a do-or-die situation. We have to take the pain now," he said.
Deputies were assured yesterday that all Ministers would be accessible over the weekend for TDs who wanted clarification on various points.
Dublin South West TD Mr Charlie O'Connor said it had been a bleak day.
"But the fact is that tough decisions have to be taken now to avoid pain later on.
"I am glad that the Minister made it clear that there is still a commitment to social inclusion and the disadvantaged. Education, health and social welfare must be kept top of the agenda."
Dublin deputy Mr Sean Ardagh said Mr McCreevy told TDs at the Estimates briefing that the public finances would be very tight over the next few years.
"All current contracts will be honoured and seen through but effectively there will be no new initiatives next year."
Carlow-Kilkenny TD Mr John McGuinness said he was glad to see that 65 per cent of the total Estimate spend was going to health, education and social, family and community affairs.
"This is important as it is dealing with the people who need it most," he said.