If I felt we had alienated the Unionists, it would worry me because we've spent a great deal of time trying to open up discussion and dialogue with the Unionist Parties.

His nephew Arthur Spring is a Labour Party TD for Kerry North–West Limerick having first been a councillor for the Tralee electoral area of Kerry County Council. In 1987 Spring and the Labour Party withdrew from the government on budgetary issues and Fianna Fáil took power in the subsequent election. The Independent newspaper group had revealed many scandals involving Labour ministers abusing the perks of office in the year leading up to the election.

He also served as Tánaiste during those three governments. Richard "Dick" Spring (born 29 August 1950) is an Irish businessman and former politician.