FF claims approach to Mayo TD 'unofficial'

Fianna Fáil has played down an approach to Mayo Independent TD, Dr Jerry Cowley, about the possibility of supporting a minority government.

Senior Government sources claimed the approach was "totally unofficial". Dr Cowley, the first TD elected in Mayo, would be on the "third tranche" of talks, after the PDs and then former Fianna Fáil members along with the Independent TDs who had supported the last administration.

The possibility of a minority administration being supported by Independents was "being kept warm", although the "preferred option" was coalition with the Progressive Democrats, the sources added.

Dr Cowley confirmed yesterday that he had received a bona fide approach from Fianna Fáil about his possible support for the forthcoming Government.

He said there was a "condition" proposed which he could not accept, but he did not believe that would be fatal to talks. The "big money" was on the Progressive Democracts, but if Fianna Fáil "are interested they will come back to me".

Fianna Fáil said, however, that the Independents they were talking to first were the two former Fianna Fáil members, Cllr James Breen from Clare, Cllr Paddy McHugh, with Mr Jackie Healy-Rae of Kerry South, Mr Niall Blaney of Donegal North-East, who succeeded his father, Harry, in the Dáil, and Ms Mildred Fox in Wicklow, if she is confirmed elected after the recount in the constituency.

Dr Cowley would not disclose details of a confidential discussion, but it was "the real thing". He said, "My bottom line is Mayo. I have certain needs for Mayo. If they are satisfied I could support a stable government."

His priorities included the upgrading and funding of Castlebar hospital, the supply of gas to Mayo towns and proper infrastructure to support business enterprise in the county.

Meanwhile, the Dublin North Central Independent TD, Mr Finian McGrath, has called for an alliance of left-leaning small parties and Independents to form an "effective opposition" of the left.

Mr McGrath will meet returned Independent TD Mr Séamus Healy and a number of other Independents next week about setting up a "technical group" to have enough TDs to get better Dáil facilities and speaking time.

He believed, however, that a combination of left-leaning Independents, the Green Party and Sinn Féin could be a very effective Opposition.