MOTION:SINN FÉIN has tabled a motion of no confidence in Taoiseach Brian Cowen, and the party's Dáil leader, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, has called on all TDs opposed to Mr Cowen's leadership to support it.
The motion has been tabled by all four Sinn Féin TDs – Mr Ó Caoláin, Arthur Morgan, Aengus Ó Snodaigh and Martin Ferris.
However, it would require seven TDs in a “technical group” for the motion to be accepted as a subject for debate. A group of this type existed in the last Dáil from 2002-2007.
In the event that Senator Pearse Doherty of Sinn Féin is successful in the Donegal South West byelection this week, it could increase the party’s chances of forming a technical group if two Independent deputies were prepared to join.
Independent TD for Dublin North Central Finian McGrath told The Irish Times last night: “I would be interested in having talks with Sinn Féin on the formation of a technical group.
“It worked very well in the last Dáil, where Independents, Greens and Sinn Féin shared speaking time but each party and Independent retained their own freedom of action.”
Other privileges open to technical groups include the right to take part in leaders’ questions, submit Private Members’ motions and have a share of priority questions to Ministers.
On the Sinn Féin motion of no confidence in Mr Cowen, Mr McGrath said: “I haven’t been approached, but of course I would look at any serious motion coming before the Dáil.”
He added: “I genuinely have not decided how I am going to vote on the budget, and I will be reflecting and thinking and getting advice on it. I will also be consulting with my Independent colleague deputy Maureen O’Sullivan.”
Ms O’Sullivan’s predecessor as an Independent TD for Dublin Central, the late Tony Gregory, was a member of the previous technical group along with Mr McGrath.
Ms O’Sullivan said she “would certainly consider” joining a new technical group. Asked about her likely attitude to the budget, she said: “I am going to wait and see what’s in it.” On supporting a Sinn Féin motion of no confidence, she said would examine any wording and consider it.
