INDEPENDENT ALLIANCE TD Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran is to take over as Minister of State at the Office of Public Works (OPW) on 2 June.

The switch-over between Sean Canney and Moran was part of the agreement reached during the discussions on the formation of government.

It’s understood the pair flipped a coin to decide who would take up the first stint in the role as junior minister.

Speaking to reporters today, Canney said Moran is “a very good TD” and a “very genuine” person who he knows will do the job well.

Reflecting on the Independent Alliance’s first year in government, Moran admitted the group was a bit “shaky” at the beginning. “We had to settle down,” he said.

“When you go into government you learn a lot of things,” he said, before listing of items such as: “don’t make promises you can’t keep” and “don’t write newspaper columns” – a comment which made Shane Ross laugh out loud.

Canney said the Independent Alliance were criticised for entering into an arrangement with Fine Gael, but he claims they are delivering on the programme for government.

He also said the Independent Alliance have made their mark on a number of issues such as judicial appointments, disability services, and rural matters.

The Galway TD said they also influenced the title in the ministerial post he is passing over to Moran.

“Flood Relief” is included in the portfolio – something he said did not happen by mistake, stating that the group wanted to place flooding on the national agenda.

“Rural Ireland is very close to the Independent Alliance’s heart,” he said, adding:

I am proud of everything we have done.

He added that it was their aim to be “influencers” in government, not “passengers”.

“We have a lot more we have to deliver upon,” he added.

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