The Independent TD, Mr Harry Blaney, has demanded a commitment to a referendum on abortion in return for his continued support for the minority Fianna Fail-Progressive Democrat Government.
Mr Blaney, along with Independent TDs Mr Jackie HealyRae and Ms Mildred Fox, will meet in the next fortnight to review their positions and upgrade their "wish-lists" in exchange for their continued support for the Government. They are to meet the Government chief whip, Mr Seamus Brennan, to discuss their review next month. Mr Brennan said this would be after the Government parties have exchanged papers and after Fianna Fail holds its party "think-in" on September 23rd and 24th.
Mr Brennan said a Green Paper on abortion was being prepared and was expected to be published in September. "There will have to be time allowed then for public debate and the Green Paper will go to the Constitution Committee. We are setting out all the facts in this process. But I certainly am prepared to speak with Mr Blaney on the matter."
Last night, Mr Blaney said if he was not given a commitment that a referendum on abortion would be held in the lifetime of the Government he was prepared to withdraw his support.
It is understood that Mr HealyRae and Ms Fox are also looking at their positions on the abortion referendum issue and are coming under strong pressure from their constituents to follow the same line as Mr Blaney.
The three hold the balance of power in the Dail, where Fianna Fail and the PDs hold 80 seats, three short of a majority. While a withdrawal of support by Mr Blaney would certainly threaten the stability of the Government it is highly unlikely that all of the other Independents, Mr Tony Gregory, Mr Thomas Gildea, Mr Michael Lowry, Sinn Fein's Mr Caoimhghin O Caolain and Mr Joe Higgins, of the Socialist Party, would all vote against the Government on the issue.
The review by the Independents has been prompted by the fact that Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats are preparing to exchange written proposals on a revised Programme for Government which could last into 2002.
Last night, Mr Blaney of Donegal North-East, told the Irish Times that top of his review list would be a demand that the Government promise to hold a referendum on abortion. He also said he was "quite unhappy" that many of the commitments he received from the Government two years ago have not yet been fulfilled.
"There are still several domestic issues agreed in my signed statement with the Taoiseach which have to be sorted out. But the one issue I am most concerned about is the referendum on abortion."
The Kerry South Independent, Mr Healy-Rae, confirmed last night that the three Independent TDs would meet shortly to discuss their position. However, he refused to disclose what new demands he may have.