THE THREE Independent TDs supporting the Government are expected to seek an early meeting with Tánaiste Brian Cowen when he is elected taoiseach, writes Michael O'Regan,Parliamentary Correspondent
The three - Finian McGrath, Dublin North Central; Jackie Healy-Rae, Kerry South; and Michael Lowry, Tipperary North - will be looking for a commitment from Mr Cowen that pledges made by Bertie Ahern will continue to be honoured.
Mr McGrath said yesterday that he wanted a meeting with Mr Cowen to determine if there was any change of mood within the Cabinet, given the new leadership.
"I will want to know if he will stand by the agreement I had with Bertie Ahern and signed by him in his capacity as president of Fianna Fáil."
Mr McGrath said that he had confidence in Mr Cowen, given his performance as Minister for Finance.
"In the budget, he delivered funding for disability services, educational needs and carers, despite being under pressure to make cutbacks in these areas."
Of the three Independents, Mr McGrath has come under most pressure over his support for the Government, from sections of his local organisation and some constituents.
The pressure was particularly intense when Minister for Health Mary Harney faced a motion of no-confidence last November.
Following Mr Ahern's intervention, and discussions with Ms Harney, the Government approved €2.5 million for cystic fibrosis services at Beaumont Hospital in Mr McGrath's constituency.
Commitments made to Mr McGrath, and yet to be delivered, include a multimillion euro national centre for cystic fibrosis in St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, and a number of constituency projects, including the provision of community facilities in Coolock.
Mr Healy-Rae also confirmed that he would be seeking a meeting with Mr Cowen when he is elected taoiseach.
"It has already been indicated to me that there will be a meeting. My impression is that he will stand very firmly behind the deals we made with Bertie Ahern."
Mr Healy-Rae said he had an excellent working relationship with Mr Cowen.
"When Brian Cowen was in Killarney for a big Fianna Fáil gathering, he came to see me in a local hotel with some of his backbench colleagues.
"I stood up on a stool and predicted that he would be the next taoiseach when Bertie Ahern retired. Brian Cowen sang The Town I Loved So Well. We had a great night."
Mr Lowry has kept a low profile on commitments made to him about projects in Tipperary North, but he is as vigilant as his two colleagues in ensuring that they are delivered.
It is understood that following individual meetings, the three Independents will meet the new taoiseach as a group.
When the Dáil is sitting, the three Independents meet with the Government Chief Whip on Tuesdays. A civil servant in the Department of the Taoiseach also liaises with them.