The rout of rebellious Fianna Fáil backbenchers represents a fair reflection of the political skills of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. Demands for a degree of independence and policy input by 16 TDs was met, initially, by soothing and understanding noises. But this quickly translated into a determined effort to isolate the ringleaders and, having achieved that, to the adoption of consultative arrangements that will remain within the firm control of the party leader.
Having supported the late Charles Haughey on a number of occasions in the past, Mr Ahern is no stranger to political "heaves". This particular challenge, however, did not represent a direct assault on his leadership. Instead, it reflected a deep unease at the party's poor performance in a succession of opinion polls and the likelihood - if that situation does not change - of significant seat losses in the coming general election.
In the past Fianna Fáil backbenchers have been successful in distancing themselves from unpopular and wasteful Government decisions, acting at times like Opposition TDs. But on this occasion their demands went too far. It was one thing to criticise the performances of their Coalition partners, Tánaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney, and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell. It was quite another to say Fianna Fáil ministers were so out of touch that backbenchers required a separate and independent structure to make their concerns known. That was a recipe for political fragmentation and an indirect criticism of Mr Ahern's leadership.
The timing of the demand was deeply damaging. It coincided with an unsuccessful challenge to Ms Harney's continued leadership within the Progressive Democrats, which rocked that party to its foundations. It reflected a general malaise within the Coalition Government that has opened up the prospect of increasing political instability. With a general election less than a year away, the Opposition parties are offered considerable comfort.
Now that the dust has settled on Fianna Fáil's local bother, some things are clear: this Government has passed its sell-by date and the prospect of repeating what Brian Cowen once called "a temporary little arrangement" with the PDs after the election is made more difficult. Fianna Fáil backbenchers, fearful of the electorate's judgment, now regard their political allies as a hindrance, to be discarded as quickly as possible. In such circumstances, inter-party relations can only deteriorate. There is a new political vista.
The Taoiseach won this tactical skirmish within Fianna Fáil. In the process, he displayed considerable political skill and isolated his critics. But the issues that gave rise to the rebellion still remain. A significant number of Fianna Fáil TDs are deeply unhappy with the performance of Government and the arrogant, ineffectual and out-of-touch behaviour of some ministers. In that context, Mr Ahern's limited offer of policy input is something of a joke.