CONTROVERSIAL NEW drink-driving legislation is now expected to get the support of Opposition parties and most, if not all, Fianna Fáil backbenchers.
However, Independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae has stated his intention to vote against a Fianna Fáil-led government for the first time in 12 years.
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey admitted to “watering down” the Road Traffic Bill 2009 by his decision that drivers caught with a blood alcohol limit of between 50mg and 80mg will receive three rather than six penalty points and a €200 fine if they do not challenge the conviction in court.
He was confident this would meet the objections of his own party colleagues. “I have discussed the matter with the backbenchers, they have made their views known, this is my response to that.”
Those with a blood alcohol level of between 80 and 100mg will be disqualified for six months and receive a €400 fine if they do not challenge the finding. Learners, recently-qualified and professional drivers found to have a level of between 20 and 80mg will be disqualified for three months and receive a €200 fine.
Fine Gael and Labour have welcomed publication of the Bill. Noting that Labour had already pledged to support it, Mr Dempsey challenged Fine Gael to clarify its position.
However last night Fine Gael sources were emphatic that the broad principles of the Bill were entirely acceptable.
It was clear last night that concerns among Fianna Fáil backbenchers had been largely allayed by the relatively modest penalty for a first offence.
South Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath, who has been among the most prominent objectors, reserved his position until next Tuesday’s meeting of the parliamentary party.
He said in a statement: “I was of the opinion that we were in a period of reflection and consultation following our last parliamentary party meeting so in that context I am surprised that the Bill was published today.”
Saying he would also consult his constituents, he said: “I look forward to discussing the matter at our parliamentary party meeting next week.”
However, there was outright opposition to the Bill from a long-time supporter of Fianna Fáil-led governments, Independent TD for Kerry South, Jackie Healy-Rae.
Clearly unhappy even with the modified legislation, he said: “If Dempsey wants to bring it in that’s his business but he won’t get any help from me to bring it. It’s no good in the world, you’ll be disqualified after it anyway.”
However, his stance will not come as a surprise to the Government because, as he said: “I have my position clearly made to the Chief Whip a number of weeks ago.”
Carlow-Kilkenny TD Bobby Aylward of Fianna Fáil said: “First and foremost, I was always going to support the Government. I never said that I wasn’t going to support the Government.”
He was representing the views of his constituents who wanted to retain the old 80mg limit. “If I had a choice I’d leave it the way it was, but at least people will be forewarned before they’re put off the road.”
Fine Gael will also be voting for the legislation and a senior party figure told The Irish Times: “We’re supporting it, I can’t imagine that we would not be voting for it.”
In a joint statement welcoming publication of the legislation, Fine Gael transport spokesman Fergus O’Dowd TD and road safety spokesman Shane McEntee said it included “measures that Fine Gael has been seeking for many years”.
Also welcoming publication of the Bill, Labour’s transport spokesman Tommy Broughan said that, in addition to the reduction in the blood alcohol level, there were “many other measures” that were “critical” for enhancing road safety.