The prospect of a curfew on pubs and restaurants has unleashed a backbench revolt in the Government parties.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs and Senators have been apoplectic on social media decrying the latest public health proposals to curb hospitality during the bumper Christmas season.
The stream of overt opposition is probably the most virulent and concentrated since the coalition was formed.
Fine Gael Chief Whip Brendan Griffin said the 5pm closure is an insult to business people and hospitality workers.
Former minister Michael Ring called it "disastrous" and said it should be rejected.
Another former minister - Senator Regina Doherty - said:"If NPHET are really saying that 2 double vaccinated and boosted people can't have a pizza and a pint after 5pm then I give up".
On the Fianna Fáil side, Barry Cowen said: "Surely a 9 or 10pm curfew with weekly review of figures. Ramp up boosters with updated Covid certs for entrance to all indoor events. People open to compromise not confrontation in interest of public health."
Willie O’Dea asked where the logic was and said it would be devastating, while Senator Timmy Dooley called for a 9pm compromise.
A group of seven Fianna Fáil Senators led by Lisa Chambers held a media conference on the plinth at Leinster House to voice their opposition to the proposals.
But when pressed, they admitted they would abide by the Government’s decision regardless with nobody threatening to jump overboard.
As for the third of the Government parties, Green TDs and Senators have been silent so far on social media, although there are said to be manoeuvrings behind the scenes.
What is clear is that deputies’ phones have been hopping with representations from an industry enraged at the prospect of another setback.
Ministers have been fielding many calls and texts from elected members but that usual covert lobbying has broken cover this time given the scale of anger.
As Government meets to thrash out the decision, the backlash in their own parties will also be a consideration.
