The resignation today of Labour Senator Jimmy Harte is set to put additional pressure on the Government in winning votes in the Seanad.
Until now, Fianna Fáil has engaged in a pairing arrangement with the Labour party whereby one of its members would abstain from Seanad votes in the absence of Mr Harte, who suffered serious head injuries in a fall two years ago.
Fianna Fáil senators have indicated that as Mr Harte has resigned from the Seanad, the party will no longer engage in the pairing arrangement.
The John McNulty affair that led to the election of independent Senator Gerard Craughwell ensured that the Coalition is now in the minority in the Seanad.
The resignation of Mr Harte and the subsequent withdrawal by Fianna Fáil of the long-standing pairing arrangement means the Government will now be under more pressure in votes..
A by-election to fill the seat formerly filled by Mr Harte is due to take place in November.
A motion will be put down tomorrow in the Seanad to initiate the process.
