Concern is mounting in Government circles that Mr John Ellis could resign his Dail seat if he is forced to stand down as chairman of the Dail Committee on Agriculture and the Marine.
While Mr Ellis has not discussed such a possibility with the Taoiseach, the Sligo-Leitrim TD has privately told several Fianna Fail colleagues that he would consider leaving national politics if he has to resign the chairmanship of the committee.
The possibility of such a resignation is being taken seriously by Fianna Fail given what occurred in the autumn of 1997, when Mr Ray Burke, in resigning as minister for foreign affairs, unexpectedly also quit as a TD.
The Fianna Fail-Progressive Democrats coalition already relies on the support of four independent TDs in the Dail. The prospect of a by-election in Sligo-Leitrim would not be welcomed, despite Fianna Fail's strong performance in the constituency at the last general election.
The Taoiseach is expected to be briefed on the Ellis affair today by the Government Chief Whip, Mr Seamus Brennan, and the chairman of the Fianna Fail Parliamentary Party, Dr Rory O'Hanlon.
The Fianna Fail members of the committee are due to meet on Tuesday. Mr Ellis is not expected to make any public comment until he assesses the level of support from his colleagues.
The Fine Gael motion of no confidence in Mr Ellis as chairman of the committee will be taken on Wednesday afternoon. Fianna Fail has nine members on the committee, Fine Gael six, Labour one and independents one. It is likely that the vote of independent TD Mr Harry Blaney could decide the outcome.
Should Mr Ellis survive the vote, Fine Gael is expected to table a private member's motion of no confidence in him in the Dail in two weeks' time.
It also emerged last night that the Tanaiste has received legal advice from the Attorney General's office that she is not in a position under the Companies Act to appoint an authorised officer to Stanlow Trading. Mr Ellis was a director of this meat-processing company, which collapsed with debts of about £300,000 outstanding to farmers in the north-west in the mid-1980s.
The Irish Farmers' Association had written to Ms Harney, requesting the appointment of an authorised officer under section 19 of the Companies Act.