The Daily Star Ireland
The Regional Independent Group is poised to become a key component of the next government. This group, consisting of nine TDs—Michael Lowry, Noel Grealish, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, Seán Canney, Marian Harkin, Verona Murphy, Carol Nolan, Barry Heneghan, and Gillian Toole—will appoint a negotiating team next week to engage in government formation talks with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
Michael Lowry, the group’s lead spokesperson, will meet with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael deputy leaders Jack Chambers and Helen McEntee to establish the parameters for these discussions. This follows a recent conference call between Lowry, Simon Harris, and Micheál Martin.
The group’s aim is to be a fully integrated part of any new government, not just a peripheral player in a Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael administration. This ambition includes securing ministerial roles, potentially at both junior and senior levels within the cabinet.
Additionally, the group has indicated its desire for Wexford TD Verona Murphy to become the first woman elected as Ceann Comhairle. They are seeking the support of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael for her nomination in the upcoming secret ballot next Wednesday. The outcome of this vote will be a significant indicator of the relationship between the group and the two major parties.
While Labour technically could still join the next government, it seems highly unlikely following separate talks between Labour Leader Ivana Bacik and the leaders of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. The possibility of the Social Democrats joining the government also appears remote.
All signs point to a government comprising Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Regional Independent Group being presented to the Dáil sometime in January.
