The future of Mr Dempsey's planned reforms of local government is in doubt after talks with the four pro-Government Independent deputies yesterday failed to reach agreement.
The four yesterday repeated their objections to Government proposals to disqualify Oireachtas members from sitting on local authorities. Mr Jackie Healy-Rae (Kerry South) said last night the proposal, contained in the Local Government Reform Bill, would "get rid of independents and smaller parties".
Ms Mildred Fox shares Mr Healy-Rae's opposition to the proposed change. Both feel it will limit their ability to engage in vote-catching local constituency work. Mr Harry Blaney and Mr Tom Gildea have supported them in their objections.
Talks between the Independents and the Government chief whip, Mr Seamus Brennan, yesterday failed to make progress. The Bill, initially due before the Dail last week, is now set for next week but may be postponed as the deadlock continues.
The Government relies on the four Independents to win tight Dail divisions.