An Ríocht - The Kingdom: Sheahan (FG) claims cabinet minister cast doubt on Healy-Rae election deal

A war of words has broken out between two south Kerry TDs over the contents of a much publicised deal between Independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae and the Government. Deputy Healy-Rae claims to have secured eight pages of commitments for the constituency in return for his support for the government. He has never disclosed the full contents of the list.

However Fine Gael TD Tom Sheahan has described the list as "phantom" document. He says that in response to a question on the matter last week, the Taoiseach confirmed that any provisions agreed with Independent TDs are based on what has been already included in the estimates or the existing National Development Plan. Deputy Sheahan says that this indicates that many of Deputy Healy Rae's committments would have been provided in any case.

He says that a senior Fianna Fail minister has also cast doubt on the document. Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae has strongly rejected the claim and has challenged Deputy Sheahan to name the Minister involved. He says that he stands over the contents of his deal, and has accused Deputy Sheahan of wasting Dail time on the matter.