THE five-year programme for the new Fianna Fail-Progressive Democrats coalition is expected to be approved by Mr Bertie Ahern and Ms Mary Harney today.
The 33-page document outlines a broad approach to most areas of government policy. It also contains detailed tax proposals, amounting to £400 million, to be implemented in the government's first budget in November.
Moves were afoot last night to co-ordinate ratification of the programme by the two parties tomorrow. Ms Harney examined it line by line with her parliamentary colleagues yesterday.
The PDs have postponed their council meeting until tomorrow night to coincide with Fianna Fail's national executive meeting. The Fianna Fail parliamentary party will be briefed on the document earlier tomorrow.
No plans had been made last night to formally publish the programme. PD sources suggested that this might not be done until next week.
