Fine Gael could face a scramble for votes to pass the budget if Peter Fitzpatrick leaves the party this weekend. In August, Mr Fitzpatrick announced that he would not be running in the next election as a Fine Gael candidate. Asked about the departure rumours surrounding Mr Fitzpatrick, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said he hopes he remains in the party. If Mr Fitzpatrick does leave the party next week, it would put additional pressure on Mr Donohoe, who is hammering out the final details of Budget 2019. Mr Donohoe said he is confident Fine Gael can win two seats in the constituency but is under “no illusion as to how demanding that will be”.

Source: Irish Examiner September 29, 2018 03:45 UTC