Independent TD's constituencies- safe from cutbacks?

[yehbut_nobut]

Just wondering if the constituents of the 5 independent TD's have less reason to worry about the budget affecting provison of amenities and services in their area than others?

[rockofcashel]

Just wondering if the constituents of the 5 independent TD's have less reason to worry about the budget affecting provison of amenities and services in their area than others?

From a political view point, this would make sense if one were to be very cynical... there was a big jump in elected Independent TD's in 2002 based on the electorate seeing the power of an independent after the Famous 4 held FF and the PD's to ransom between 97-02. Because they had much less power between 02-07, Independent numbers drastically fell again last year.

By insulating independents from cutbacks... FF could foster more Indo's for the Dail at the next election.. because usually when Indo's do well, FG have a harder time making up numbers for an alternative Government, because FF tends to always get its 37-40% vote out no matter how bad things get

However... if things really swung against FF... then having a load of maverick Indo's on the ballot paper could really cause them problems at election time...

Any which way, the Dail should be interesting during the budget debates

[Supermanpolitician]

Just wondering if the constituents of the 5 independent TD's have less reason to worry about the budget affecting provison of amenities and services in their area than others?

Finian McGrath was just on Newstalk saying no cutback on CP services. Fair play. But behind the scenes I am sure he is saying, keep it rolling in there boys.