Two Government TDs have said they will break ranks with the Government and vote in favour of a Sinn Fein motion on the new National Maternity Hospital.
Patrick Costello is the second TD to confirm he can’t “in good conscience vote against this motion.”
His party colleague Neasa Hourigan said she would vote in favour of the Sinn Fein deal last night to show her objection to the proposed plan for the new NMH.
Read More: Department of Health denies that Stephen Donnelly paid for retweets on Twitter
In a statement, Mr Costello said: “Having given much thought on the issue, I can confirm I will be voting in favour of the National Maternity Hospital motion this evening.
“With the ongoing concerns from the public, constituents, and supporters, I cannot in good conscience vote against this motion.
“I understand being a TD in a government party and voting against the whip is a serious matter.
“I have informed my party whip of my intentions and I will accept the consequences from my action.”
The move by the two Green Party TDs has caused a major headache for the Government as Hourigan’s and Costello’s decision may involve them losing the party whip which will weaken the Government’s voting power in the future in the Dáil.
It also shows further cracks between the Coalition parties as they are not united despite Cabinet signing off on the deal on Tuesday.
The Sinn Fein motion is calling for the new NMH to be built on public land.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said on Wednesday that it’s inevitable that Government TDs that don’t support the Government will face repercussions.
It is not yet confirmed that a Dáil vote will go ahead as 10 TDs need to stand to ensure the vote goes ahead.
Rural Independent TD Mattie McGrath called for a vote last night and is currently seeking support for the vote to go ahead.
Shouting at the Taoiseach in the Dáil, Rural Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae said “you’re the laughing stock of the country,” when Mr Martin was being asked whether he would support Sinn Fein’s motion.
Mr Martin and Government Ministers are arguing that the State “in effect” owns the land as they’ve been given a lease for 299 years.
However, Opposition TDs have said that this is not State ownership.
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
