The whiff of danger to the stability of the Government passed quickly once the debate on the Burke affair got underway in the Dail on Wednesday. What remains, however, is damaged relations between the coalition partners, and the issue now is whether these can be repaired.
Despite the close relationship between Bertie Ahern and Mary Harney, which led to her accepting assurances that all was well on the Ray Burke Cabinet appointment, she was not told of his role in the passports for sale business either.
So why, some ask, isn't the Tanaiste taking action? A Progressive Democrats source told Quidnunc: "When we looked for heads we were criticised, remember Brian Lenihan and Jim McDaid, and now when we don't, we are accused of standing for nothing. It is a no-win situation. The last time the PDs were in government there were scuds coming in from outside and heads on plates being demanded and endless dramas. This government is not going down that road. Every effort is being made to make it work up to now."
Undoubtedly the PDs were nervous on Wednesday. And they continue to be. They wonder about two things - can the coalition relationship recover, and is there more to come? It is strange, say some, that Ray Burke was a problem when he was there and now again when he's gone. Just like Charlie Haughey.