THE REGIONAL INDEPENDENT Group, which is set to make up the third pillar in the next government, sat down with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael for their first formal negotiations since the general election.

The talks got underway this lunchtime with the group saying in a statement that its TDs want to focus on a national, solution-driven, comprehensive policy-platform, in the government formation negotiations.  

The group is made up of: Sean Canney; Marian Harkin; Barry Heneghan; Noel Grealish; Michael Lowry; Kevin (Boxer) Moran and Gillian Toole.

The group’s statement went on to state that the primary focus of the group is to commence the negotiation process to form a stable government, stating that they will “negotiate and act as a cohesive group”. 

A statement from the Regional Independents at the conclusion of the meeting described the meeting with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste as “constructive engagement”

“It has been agreed to commence intensive negotiations on a Programme for Government,” the statement concluded.

Five budgets ‘a must’

Speaking outside Government Buildings earlier today, Taoiseach Simon Harris said the talks are set to “intensify” over the coming days and will continue throughout the weekend.

“There’s been a number of nights this week where talks have gone on until midnight. That intensity will continue and I think we remain on track to have a new government in place this month.”

Harris said the talks were going “very well”, with negotiating teams from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil working through issues and how the new government will be structured. 

We’re very, very keen to put together a government that can put together five budgets. I think that is an absolute must.

“I think it should be stated explicitly in any Programme for Government agreement. This government needs to deliver five budgets, and to do that, I think you need to build a working Dáil majority,” he said.

“Not just a Dáil majority on paper, but a Dáil majority that is sustainable. In the course of any government, the Dáil arithmetic changes, so it’s important to try and build a sizeable Dáil majority so you can provide that stable government for five budgets.”

On the Regional Independent Group, Harris said he thinks it is “highly likely” that they will wish to play a role in government. 

Michael and Danny Healy-Rae also held discussions with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste Micheál Martin today. 

Speaking before the meeting, Harris said he believes the Independent TDs for Kerry are “both seriously interested in being a part of government as well”. 

Michael Lowry

Micheál Martin was questioned yesterday about whether it was appropriate for Lowry to be a kingmaker in the government formation talks.

Martin was also pushed about comments he made in 2011 that Lowry should consider his position as a TD because of the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal. 

The Tánaiste said that some issues need to be “reflected on” but that coalition negotiations with the Regional Independent Group of TDs, of which Lowry is a member, are continuing. 

Gardaí confirmed yesterday that a file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) relating to the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal – the payments to politicians inquiry.

It’s 14 years since the tribunal findings were first referred to gardaí for a review which led to a criminal investigation.

In a statement yesterday evening, Lowry said that he received a request for assistance from An Garda Síochána last year.

“I freely, voluntarily and willingly met with them on one occasion and was fully cooperative,” said Lowry.

“This was the only engagement or correspondence I had with the gardaí over the fourteen years since the report was published.”

Lowry added: “At no point, on that occasion or since, was it suggested that there were or are any charges being contemplated against me.

“I am fully confident that there is no basis for any liability attaching to me.”

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Speaking on his way into Government Buildings for today’s talks, Lowry said he is absolutely happy that he is not an impediment to talks on government formation as leader of Regional Independents negotiating team.

He told reporters he is “resolute” and “determined”, stating that the Independent group will do their best for the people they represent. 

Key issues

It is understood a position document for the group, which has been given to the two larger parties, is believed to highlight housing and disabilities as key issues.

While the group has ideas of national policy, it is widely expected that individual TDs will have a wish list for what they want delivered for their own constituency, which is where stumbling blocks might begin to appear in the talks. 

Some sources state that a “few strops” are expected to be thrown by some Independents so as to show they “fought the good fight” to their constituents before entering into government with the larger parties. 

Despite some mutterings that the group might seek a senior ministry, there is a strong view in both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael that an Independent TD will not get a senior seat at the Cabinet table.

Yesterday, Martin confirmed that Lowry will not get a ministry, but said a number of other Independents are likely to hold a ministerial position, but he wouldn’t go into detail as to what level that position would be. 

Sources have told The Journal that Verona Murphy getting the Ceann Comhairle position put the matter of Independents claiming higher office to bed, with the expectation now that a couple of junior ministry positions and perhaps a super junior ministry will be up for grabs.

Martin has also spoken this week about talks he has held with Michael and Danny Healy-Rae stating that they could be credible partners in government.

The programme for government, once agreed, will have to go to both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael party members for approval. 

The Fianna Fáil parliamentary party is set to meet at midday next Wednesday to discuss the programme for government, while Fine Gael has announced it is hold a number of regional events whereby party members can raise questions and vote on the document. 

With reporting from Jane Moore