Rabbitte hints he'll back FF to thwart SF
Now minister urges Labour chief not to rule out a deal with Ahern
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LABOUR leader Pat Rabbitte yesterday hinted he may be prepared to go into government with Bertie Ahern to keep Fianna Fail from relying on Sinn Fein's support in power.
He refused to rule out doing business with Fianna Fail if it was the only way to stop Sinn Fein from having influence on a minority Fianna Fail government.
"I don't think that is a good idea that we should have a Fianna Fail government reliant on support for Sinn Fein from outside. I don't want to see that either," he said.
"But I would say to the Irish people that they have a decision to make on Thursday and if they want to avoid that situation the way to avoid it is to elect more Labour Party TDs."
If the results of the last opinion polls of the general election are matched on polling day, the only viable government may be Fianna Fail with either Labour or Sinn Fein.
Fianna Fail has repeatedly said it would not be prepared go into government with Sinn Fein.
However, Opposition parties believe the party is prepared to strike a deal with anyone to stay in power.
Enterprise Minister Michael Martin last night urged Mr Rabbitte not to dismiss the idea of going into government with Fianna Fail if Labour's pact with Fine Gael failed to attract enough voters.
"In recent days it has become increasingly clear that Labour voters and many candidates are uncomfortable with the idea of tying themselves to an Enda Kenny-led government," he told the Irish Independent.
"In fact, Pat Rabbitte has clearly been papering over growing differences within the opposition.
"Labour voters who are uncomfortable with being led by Enda Kenny and Fine Gael have the option of voting for Fianna Fáil or transferring to Fianna Fáil."
Last Friday, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said a Fianna Fail-Labour coalition could offer the potential for stable and successful government.
Recalling the instability of the 1981-82 period - in which there were three elections in just 18 months - Mr Ahern warned against an indecisive election outcome that would lead to the formation of a weak, minority government.
Mr Rabbitte yesterday tried to play down the latest opinion polls showing a late surge in support for Fianna Fail and a drop-off for FG/Labour.
"I don't believe the mood for change that has been so palpable out there, I don't believe that has changed."
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny tried to keep in upbeat mood, despite the findings of the poll which showed a 5pc jump in support for Fianna Fail.
He insisted the real poll would take place on Thursday. "When I see a situation where the Taoiseach of the country says the people should congratulate him on the state of the health services, I really do get angry.
He added: "This is only a poll and the real poll is on Thursday."
The question of what Labour will do if the numbers don't add up for the Rainbow still trails the party.
Last week he said: "I have no intention of doing any business with Fianna Fail."
- Fionnan Sheahan and Michael Brennan
