The complications threatening to derail social partnership talks which resumed this afternoon have been added to by the executive of the biggest civil service union's decision to reject the pay awards due under benchmarking.
The Civil and Public Service Union (CPSU) which represents lower grades in the public and civil service have been openly critical of benchmarking which saw an average pay-out of 8 per cent for CPSU members while higher grades were awarded average of 25 per cent.
While unions and employers may be closer to a wage deal than their willing to concede, there is considerable concern among private sector unions that the proposed 7 per cent pay increase spread over 18 months, is, in the words of one union leader, "too little, too late".
Unions are also keen to secure improved rights of recognition and an element of local bargaining. The Government may find more room for manoeuvre on the former but getting the acceptance of pay increases below the rate of inflation would a major achievement.
Measures to appease, rather than satisfy, community and voluntary groups should be achievable - despite them being offended at what they claim is their marginalisation from the process.
Steps to tackle alcohol and drug abuse, and child poverty were proposed by the Government yesterday during talks and a a commitment on housing has been mooted. Although there was no sign of a document presented yesterday being accepted, Fr Seán Healy of CORI said it had "potential".
However, significant changes to the Common Agriculture Policy and falling farm incomes could make getting farm organisations on board the most difficult task. Moreover, any extra commitment to farmers will need to come from Government coffers, in turn upsetting Mr McCreevy's plans to rein in public spending.
But farmers groups were in more militant mood following last night's talks. The Irish Farmers' Association president, Mr John Dillon, said the Government attitude social partnership involving farmers lacked "serious commitment".
Ahead of the talks, which resume at 4 p.m. today, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association president, Mr Pat O'Rourke, called for the Taoiseach to give "political direction" to the process.
"The Government must . . . be more forthcoming and direct action needs to be taken to alleviate the problems facing farmers throughout the country," Mr O'Rourke said.