THE GOVERNMENT had a comfortable majority in a Dáil vote last night, despite earlier close votes on the Order of Business.
It defeated a Labour private members' motion, calling for a fund for small businesses, by 77 votes to 70.
When the Opposition challenged two votes, on the Order of Business before lunch, the Government had a majority of three, 66 to 63 and 67 to 64.
The narrow margin was due to the absence of a number of Fianna Fáil backbenchers and is likely to lead to renewed calls from Government Chief Whip Pat Carey to TDs to ensure they are present for all votes.
By last night, Mr Carey had ensured a bigger turnout which included former taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who is recovering from a broken leg and arrived on crutches. Taoiseach Brian Cowen was also present and, having cast his vote, joined Mr Ahern in the lobby where they engaged in conversation for some time.
Meanwhile, Mr Cowen earlier insisted that the State could afford the national pay agreement, when he was challenged by the Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny.
"It is important that if the agreement is ratified by all the parties to it, we should proceed with it and take into account the situation as it develops," said Mr Cowen.
"I do not believe it is right to negotiate a deal last month and seek to say if does not apply this month."
Mr Kenny said there was no recapitalisation of the banks while there was tightening of credit to small businesses.
"The situation since July and September has deteriorated quite radically with 10,000 people a month losing their jobs, mostly in the private sector," Mr Kenny added.
