Tánaiste: Decision of Sligo TDs ‘regrettable’
The Tánaiste said she is ‘disappointed’ at the decision of two Fianna Fáil TDs in the North-West to resign the party whip.
Eamon Scanlon and Dr. Jimmy Devins made the move in protest at the removal of breast cancer services from Sligo General Hospital.
Their decision means the Government no longer has an outright majority in the Dáil.
But Tánaiste Mary Coughlan insisted that it will not put pressure on Taoiseach Brian Cowen's position,
“When you're a member of the parliamentary part you make a decision to abide by the rules and if you're not in a position to support the Government then you must step down the whip.
“This has happened in many parties and we've had situations when people have rejoined on the basis of issues being addressed. I would hope as both deputies remain members of the Fianna Fáil party that they would continue to support the Government.”
