Grealish to seek deal for supporting Government

PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS TD Noel Grealish is expected to seek a deal similar to those in place for the two Independents who support the Government once the party goes out of existence.

The Galway West deputy will become an Independent deputy once the PDs formally wind up, a move that is expected to be completed this month.

Mr Grealish said yesterday that he has been approached by several parties and that he had made no decision yet about joining a party. He said he would become an Independent in the first instance and would discuss long-term strategy with his supporters.

“I was elected to the Dáil as a Progressive Democrats TD and we have an agreement with Fianna Fáil.

“I will honour that agreement until the PDs are no more. And after that I will consult with my supporters about where I go from there,” said Mr Grealish.

However, it is expected that Mr Grealish will remain an Independent TD for an indefinite period and will not join Fianna Fáil.

Mr Grealish disclosed in late 2007 that he had held talks with Fianna Fáil about the possibility of joining the party.

That disclosure is seen to have signalled the end of the road for the PDs under its new leader Ciarán Cannon. Shortly afterwards, the party began a process that culminated with a decision to wind up.

If Mr Grealish had joined Fianna Fáil, he would be one of three party TDs in a five-seat constituency along with Minister for Rural Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív and former minister Frank Fahey. Mr Grealish’s geographical base to the east of the city would also overlap to a certain extent with that of Mr Fahey.

Once the PDs go out of existence, talks are expected to take place between the newly Independent TD and Fianna Fáil in relation to his support for the Government.

Former leader Mary Harney has said she will join no party but will remain a member of the Government as Minister for Health. Another former leader Senator Ciarán Cannon has already joined Fine Gael.

Senator Fiona O’Malley has yet to declare her intentions but it is widely expected that she too will join Fianna Fáil and may contest the next election as a candidate in Dublin South.