John Halligan has threatened to resign from government.
The Minister for Training, Skills and Innovation had secured a review of hospital services in his native Waterford as the price for his loyalty to Fine Gael; the findings, however, have apparently shocked the outspoken politician, who told The Irish Times that he may have "no choice" but to resign as a result.
His headstrong nature will be of little surprise to Hot Press readers, as Halligan opened up on everything from his belief that prostitution should be legalised to his strong support for the repeal of the 8th Amendment – and even backed Simon Coveney as a successor to under-fire leader Enda Kenny.
The inquiry, previously described as a formality, concentrated on the current capacity of the cauterisation laboratory at University Hospital, Waterford, rather than recommending the addition of another facility – something Halligan had previously referred to as "a formality".
The Independent Alliance will hold a crisis meeting with key FG figures this evening, including Minister for Health Simon Harris, Minister for Finance Michael Noonan and Minister for Housing Simon Coveney.