Backbench Fianna Fail TDs are bringing pressure on Bertie Ahern to call a general election. They argue that if FF were to lose the by-elections in Limerick East and Dublin North, the Government's dependence on Independent TDs would become destabilising. They also point to the Taoiseach's personal popularity and the delicious possibility that the Progressive Democrats could be consigned to the history books.
So far, Ahern is unmoved. He knows the backbenchers bitterly resent the influence the Independents have and their ready access to Ministers. Jackie Healy-Rae, Mildred Fox and Harry Blaney wield more power than backbench members of the majority party in the Government. Ahern has told the backbenchers he does not intend to repeat Charlie Haughey's historical mistake of allowing himself to be persuaded (by Pee Flynn and Ray Burke, in particular) to go to the country before he has to. They will win Limerick East, Ahern told a recent meeting of the national executive, and one Fine Gael TD is recovering from a serious operation which is likely to keep her from voting in Dail divisions for some time. The position, he said, is rosier than the backbenchers believe. No member of the Cabinet is believed to support the backbenchers' desire for a quick general election.