Comment: FG and FF got too friendly during the budget - and both want a cooling off period

Their apparent cosiness makes both parties uneasy, writes Hugh O'Connell

08/12/2015. Ceann Comhairle switch on Oireachtas Christmas Tree lights. Ceann Comhairle turn on the Oireachtas Christmas Tree lights tonight. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin with Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny(L). Music and song will be provided by children from the Holy Family Primary School in Derry, and by the Oireachtas Choir tonight in Leinster Lawn, Leinster House. Photo: RollingNews.ie

Fine Gael andFianna Fáil neither like nor trust each other, but somehow they did manage to delivera budget earlier this month.

The main government and the main opposition parties worked together to deliver a package of measures that benefit almost everyone in some small way. It generated neither protests outside Leinster House, nor adulation on the doorsteps. But of course it was, as always, fiercely criticised by other opposition parties.

Sinn Féin are ...