Cowen meets Healy-Rae over budget

Taoiseach Brian Cowen held a pre-budget meeting with Kerry South TD Jackie Healy-Rae last night.

The Independent deputy’s son, Cllr Michael Healy-Rae, said he and his father met Mr Cowen and his advisers in the Taoiseach’s office for 45 minutes “with regard to his support for the Government”.

Mr Healy-Rae said: “What was on the table for discussion was the projects for south and southwest Kerry for 2010.” He said there would be more discussions over the next few days, the outcome of which would determine his father’s future support for the Government.

Government chief whip Pat Carey said it had been a pre-arranged meeting. He said a meeting between Mr Healy-Rae and the Taoiseach of the day took place before the budget every year.

Mr Carey also confirmed he had spoken with TD Jim McDaid and was “looking forward” to the Donegal North East deputy’s support for the budget. Dr McDaid e-mailed Mr Carey on Monday to say he would vote against the Government “if and when I deem it necessary” following an internal Fianna Fáil row in the constituency.

However, following a telephone conversation with Dr McDaid yesterday, Mr Carey said: “I’m looking forward to him being able to support the budget.”