Two of the three Independent TDs on whose support the Government relies today said they may not vote in favour of the forthcoming budget.
Independent TD for Kerry South Jackie Healy-Rae said recent events "have totally undermined whatever little bit of confidence” he had in the Government.
In a statement issued early this morning, he accused the Taoiseach of telling "blatant lies” to the Irish people regarding the IMF and ECB. "I'm not supporting the Government in any of that stuff that is going on," Mr Healy-Rae said.
"The time had come where I can no longer honour my word to this Fianna Fáil-led Government. The time has come to say stop," he said.
"The time has come for the truth to be told to the Irish people. The time has come for integrity and honesty and political leadership."
He added it was "very unlikely" he would support the Budget but would have to wait to see what it contained. "I'm not fully in the know. I'm on the outside and that's no good to me. I want to be certain of what I'm doing for the people of South and West Kerry," Mr Healy-Rae said.
He stressed he would not support cuts to the old age pension and also expressed concern about student fee increases.
However, Mr Healy Rae took a more conciliatory line this afternoon after speaking to Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan by telephone.
He said he had great respect for Mr Lenihan and if the budget was" some way fair and reasonable" he would support it, but a severe hike in college fees was out of the question for him, as was a cut in pensions. "The doubling in college fees would finish people," he said, adding that the Minister had said he was prepared to meet him.
Meanwhile, North Tipperary TD Michael Lowry told RTÉ radio this afternoon it was "highly unlikely" that he would support the upcoming budget.
Mr Lowry said the people of Ireland were "demoralised and bewildered" by recent events and that responsibility was now shifting to the opposition to decide the way the country is run.
"It's time for Fine Gael and Labour to show that they are ready to take power and that they can exercise responsible leadership," he said.
"The next decision I have to make in respect of the current government is on the day the Budget is announced and as it stands at the moment, it is highly unlikely that I will support that Budget. The reason I'm saying that publicly now is to afford Fine Gael and Labour the opportunity to take up their duty and obligation and their responsibility to the country in assisting the Government to the budgetary situation."
Mr Lowry called on the main Opposition parties to consult with Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan and his department to reach agreement on budgetary measures.
"It would be an astonishing political failure on the part of Labour and Fine Gael if as a political advantage they did not join with Minister Lenihan in seeking to agree on the broad measures contained in this budget," he said.
"I believe it is hugely important both nationally and from an international perspective that the government in waiting is on line with this Government and that we can bring in a budget in the national interest. That will not happen unless Fine Gael and Labour step up to the plate," he added.
Mr Lowry hardened his position this evening, saying there should be an immediate general election.
With the support of Minister for Health Mary Harney, Mr Lowry and Mr Healy-Rae, the Fianna Fáil/Green Party Coalition had 82 TDs compared to 79 Opposition votes, a working majority of three.
Sinn Féin's Senator Pearse Doherty is the favourite to win the forthcoming Donegal South West byelection, a result that would further strengthen the Opposition.