Fine Gael Donegal North East TD Mr Paddy Harte has been readmitted to the parliamentary party nine months after defying the party whip and abstaining on a Dail vote on the Abortion Information Bill, vrires Maol Muire Tynan.
Fianna Fail sources last night said the timing of Mr Harte's readmission was connected to the forthcoming Seanad by election to maintain maximum Government support for Mr Sam McAughtry.
The chairman of the parliamentary party, Mr Phil Hogan, confirmed that the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, yesterday proposed Mr Harte's readmission, a move which received unanimous support.
