First stage of Budget of Misery passes in Leinster House

The first vote on Budget 2011, dubbed the budget of misery has been passed in Leinster House this evening.

The vote on financial motions dealing with increases in petrol and diesel along with cuts to the air travel tax have been passed.

The government won the vote by 82 votes to 78. Independent TDs Jackie Healy Rae and Michael Lowry supported the budget despite indicating in the days leading up to it that they might not.

The Budget has been opposed by Sinn Féin, Labour, Fine Gael and a number of independents.

Several Fine Gael members had indicated that they would abstain or even vote in favour of parts of the budget had it been voted on in individual sections.

Even in opposition Fianna Fail will push for painful four year plan

Last night, Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said that Fianna Fail in opposition would support any  government that implemented the four-year national recovery plan announced by Mr Lenihan two weeks ago.

Some commentators have said that this indicates that Fianna Fail in opposition will support Fine Gael austerity measures, which they outlined in their pre budget plan at the weekend.

This has gave more credibility to those people who say that Fianna Fail, if badly damaged in the next election, will consider merging with Fine Gael.

Crane protestor arrested outside Leinster House

An anti Budget protester was arrested outside Leinster House earlier today, after parking a cherry picker covered in anti government slogans outside the gates.

Slogans condemning Anglo Irish bank and ministerial pensions were hastily removed by Gardai as they attempted to get the man to come down.

The man was in the cage at the top of the crane, the arm of which was fully extended, played music through loud speakers and threw a number of tennis balls at the ground below.