From IrishTimes.com Website on 13th Nov 2008

THE GOVERNMENT suffered another blow to its authority last night with the defection of a second Fianna Fáil TD on a Budget-related issue.

Donegal Fianna Fáil TD and former Cabinet minister Dr Jim McDaid defied his party whip and abstained on a Fine Gael motion calling for the Government to reverse its decision to postpone a cervical cancer vaccination programme for young women.

Following the resignation of Wicklow TD Joe Behan from Fianna Fáil over the medical cards issue, along with loss of support from Independent TD Finian McGrath, the Government's comfortable majority of 12 has been seriously eroded over the past month.

Dr McDaid told the Dáil last night that even though these were difficult economic times, the withdrawal of a life-saving vaccine was not a move he could support.

"We will pass a death sentence on a certain percentage of the 12-year-old girls whose parents cannot afford the cost of it.

"Is there anyone in this House who would not give the vaccine to their daughters today?" asked Dr McDaid.

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