The Daily Star Ireland
As Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are expected to form a government together, the key question is whether they will include smaller parties or a group of Independents in their coalition.
One of the newly re-elected TDs, Seán Canney, who led the poll in Galway East, believes that up to 10 Independents may be willing to support the two main parties. With 88 seats needed for a majority in the next Dáil, it will require significant discussions and negotiations to secure a stable government.
Catherine Connolly, who topped the poll in Galway West, expressed her preference for a left-leaning government but is open to any role she can play, stating she would embrace power. However, she doubts that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will seriously engage with her on radical changes in housing policy or using Ireland’s neutrality for global peace efforts. Connolly emphasized the importance of addressing issues like the housing crisis, traffic congestion, and climate change, reflecting the demand for change shown by the election results.
Independent TD Marian Harkin, who secured the fourth seat for Sligo-Leitrim after a surge of transfers, is also open to supporting a Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael coalition. She has been in discussions with several people but remains cautious about sharing specifics, noting that everything is still speculative.
Seán Canney mentioned that coalition negotiations follow a process and that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael need to outline their plans to form a stable government. He highlighted his previous experience as an Independent in government from 2016 to 2020, emphasizing the importance of stability and the need for a clear Programme of Government.
Independent TD Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran from Longford-Westmeath stated that there are many small parties that can join the government and stressed the desire to govern as the reason for running for election. He believes that even a short time in government is more impactful than a long time in opposition.
Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice from Roscommon-Galway noted that he has not yet been contacted by any of the main parties. He described the current situation as “shadow boxing” and anticipates that Fine Gael will negotiate toughly to secure an equal share in the coalition. Fitzmaurice emphasized the need for a stable government and expressed willingness to discuss policy with the main parties.
