The Daily Star Ireland
Independent TDs who are expected to support the upcoming government may not receive a full Cabinet position and might have to accept a super junior role instead. Following the election of Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle, there is some hesitation within Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael about offering a senior Cabinet position to an Independent TD.
Seán Canney and Noel Grealish are considered strong candidates for a super junior role, which would allow them to attend government meetings but without voting rights at the Cabinet. Previously, Finian McGrath, an Independent TD, held a similar position as minister for disability from 2016 to 2020.
Additionally, there are expected to be junior ministerial posts available for Independent TDs, with Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran and Marian Harkin being potential candidates for these roles. Despite having 11 TDs, including Aontú, in the Regional Independent Group, only a few are anticipated to fully commit to an agreement with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
This likely group of supporters includes the group’s de facto leader Michael Lowry, along with Seán Canney, Noel Grealish, Marian Harkin, and Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran. Michael and Danny Healy-Rae are also nearing a constituency agreement with the new government. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael see them as dependable partners and have emphasized that their support is crucial for securing a stable working majority.
The Healy-Rae brothers are open to Michael Lowry coordinating the Independents within the government, viewing their role as a critical part of the new coalition. The larger parties believe that a deal with the Independents will allow the government to focus on essential issues such as the cost of living, carers, law and order, and business support.
