SENIOR GOVERNMENT sources have dismissed as groundless suggestions of tensions between Fine Gael and Labour Ministers over sectoral wage agreements or new proposed household charges.
Labour also rejected reports that party leader Eamon Gilmore had moved to set limits on criticism of proposed Government policy from backbench deputies.
This followed a series of statements from a number of Labour Party TDs that were openly critical of the proposals by Minister for Enterprise Richard Bruton to cut premium pay and overtime in some sectoral wage agreements.
Sources said Mr Gilmore invoked Newton’s Law at Labour’s parliamentary party last week when he said that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. It was a cautionary note to warn deputies and Senators that an over-abundance of overt criticism of Fine Gael Ministers could rebound on the party, said a party source.
A spokesman said it was not directed at any of the TDs who publicly criticised Mr Bruton. “He was not clipping TDs’ wings. That did not represent in any way his approach to the meeting. He told them there were no vows of silence and they are allowed to voice their ideas and views on important matters of the day.”
Separately, the spokeswoman for Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn said when he told his colleagues last week not to be afraid to make tough decisions, it was an “entreaty” to all his ministerial colleagues and there was no foundation to any suggestion it was targeted at any particular Minister.
The Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe said last night every Minister was entitled to bring their own proposals forward. “Decisions are made at the Cabinet table and are decided on by all members of Cabinet.” Asked on RTÉ if backbenchers were getting the message about the challenges facing Government, he said: “Everybody who stood for Fine Gael and Labour understand that there are harsh decisions to be made. We got [that] mandate in the general election.”
A number of Fine Gael TDs contacted yesterday described as unhelpful the persistent criticism by Labour TDs of Mr Bruton’s proposals to cut overtime and Sunday pay. The Cork North Central TD Dara Murphy said it was the duty of Ministers to bring their proposals to Cabinet. “We have seen the odd [Labour] backbench TD who wants to stick out their neck and make a play for publicity. The sniping is unhelpful. I would not call it damaging.”
Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central) said Labour deputies needed to calm down. “It’s important that people calm down and recognise that we have a job to do in the national interest. There can be no red-line issues.”
Brian Walsh (Galway West) said some Labour TDs were acting as if they were in opposition.
“I am not suggesting that Government is unstable. This is the start of something that could develop into an issue. What is going to happen down the road when we have more significant challenges to make?” he asked.
Joe O’Reilly (Cavan-Monaghan) said both parties should hold their fire until the decision was made.