The Government's minority position has been strengthened considerably by the surprise decision of the Independent TD, Mr Thomas Gildea, to throw his voting weight behind the Fianna Fail-Progressive Democrats Coalition in the Dail.
After months of private discussions between Mr Gildea and representatives of the Government, the Donegal South West TD confirmed yesterday that he would now support the Government in future Dail votes but "there is no question of joining Fianna Fail".
His decision brings the Government's total voting strength to 84, three more than the Opposition. Since its formation, the Government has depended on three other Independents, Ms Mildred Fox, Mr Jackie Healy-Rae and Mr Harry Blaney, for support.
Mr Gildea's announcement was all the more unexpected as he had voted against the Government in the past. Asked if he would continue to support the Government to the end of its life-span, Mr Gildea said that remained to be seen and it depended on how the Coalition lived up to its commitment to Donegal South West.
While no written deal had been signed by the deputy or on the Government side, "an understanding" existed that a number of issues in the constituency would receive sympathetic treatment, he said. His supporters met last Saturday and supported a motion that he back the Government in Dail votes.
Fianna Fail initiated the moves to woo Mr Gildea last summer, and discussions intensified as the date for the Dail's resumption drew closer. He had a number of meetings with advisers to the Taoiseach and, three weeks ago, held discussions with Mr Ahern.
Mr Gildea's move has disappointed Opposition parties which had hoped to dent the Government's confidence tonight by securing the support of some of the three Independent TDs who normally vote with the Coalition. The vote arises from a cross-party motion calling for additional spending on the mental handicap services.
Responding to Mr Gildea's announcement, a Fine Gael spokesman said it was regrettable that he had chosen now to support the Government. While they had received no pledge from the Donegal TD to support tonight's vote, they would have "given the Government a much tighter run" had he backed the motion.
Mr Gildea was elected to the Dail for the first time in 1997 on the television deflector ticket in Donegal. While the deflector issue had not gone away, he now found himself in a position where he might be able to influence Government policy on the development of rural south-west Donegal. It would be irresponsible of him not to avail of this opportunity, he added.
Meanwhile, the Independent Wicklow TD, Ms Mildred Fox, said after her second meeting yesterday with the Government Chief Whip that she was still considering her position on how to vote tonight.
The Independent Kerry South TD, Mr Jackie Healy-Rae, is prepared to vote alongside the Government in tonight's division.