Michael McDowell's declaration that it does not matter whether Bertie Ahern or Enda Kenny is taoiseach after the next election was greeted dismissively yesterday by Fianna Fáil but seized on by the Opposition as evidence that the Coalition is crumbling, writes Stephen Collins, Political Correspondent.
In a speech which evoked echoes of his climb up a lamppost during the last election, when he said Fianna Fáil could not be trusted to rule on its own, the Minister for Justice said: "The larger party may lead. The junior party defines the direction."
He said that, while Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael might provide the taoiseach, the junior coalition party would provide the essential direction of the government.
"The lesson of the last 35 years is clear. Regardless of which party leads a government, the defining partner [in terms of policy] is the junior partner. It's not the more bulky bread which gives a sandwich its taste. Rather, it's the meat which gives a sandwich its flavour," he told a PD meeting in Waterford.
A Fianna Fáil spokesman responded: "Of course, the junior party matters, but the major party carries the responsibility for getting things passed in government."
There was no other formal comment, but party sources played down the McDowell speech, saying it was just party politics. "The Taoiseach has referred to the Labour option a few times so McDowell is just playing the party political game," said one Fianna Fáil source.
Fine Gael director of organisation Phil Hogan said Mr McDowell was acknowledging that Enda Kenny would be the next taoiseach. "It is always encouraging when your political opponents endorse your leader for the position of taoiseach," he said.
The Minister's remarks confirmed that Fianna Fáil and the PDs would not get enough seats to remain in government after the next election, he insisted.
"The flashing of Michael McDowell's eyelashes at Fine Gael is simply a sign that the PDs want an each-way bet in a two-horse race."
He added: "True to form, instead of doing the right thing the PDs want to retain the Mercs and perks while at the same time nibbling at their Taoiseach's bum."
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said Mr McDowell's "extraordinary speech" was further evidence of the widespread acknowledgment within the two parties in Government that the current Coalition cannot be returned to power.
"This has provoked a frenzied bout of partner-shopping on the part of both Fianna Fáil and the PDs as they desperately search for some device to keep them in power."
Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin welcomed Mr McDowell's speech as an indication that "he is running scared of the electoral challenge of Sinn Féin and at our determination to see our policies implemented in government".