Independent Alliance frustrated by ‘exclusion’ from press conference

The Independent Alliance is frustrated with Fine Gael over its apparent exclusion from the publication of the Government's housing plan this week.

The alliance's five TDs, including Cabinet members Shane Ross, who is Minister for Transport, and Finian McGrath, Minister of State at the Department of Health, have raised concerns with the Taoiseach's advisers about the matter.

Biggest issues

They insist the alliance was excluded from participating in media engagements around the publication of the plan, which seeks to address some of the biggest issues facing the minority Government.

It is understood that Longford-Westmeath TD Kevin “Boxer” Moran raised the issue with Mr Ross on Tuesday and sought to have the alliance represented at the press conference in Government Buildings.

One alliance TD told The Irish Times many of the measures included in the plan were agreed during the Government formation talks between it and Fine Gael.

“We played a significant role in those discussions. We should be allowed to participate in the media announcement or have a presence at the very least,” the TD said.

A number of Ministers including Minister for Housing Simon Coveney, Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar were present for the launch, as was Minister for Children Katherine Zappone, an Independent TD who is not a member of the alliance.

Government sources insisted the alliance was not prohibited from participating and were welcome to attend.

The alliance is concerned Fine Gael is seeking to distance itself from it due to a dispute over legislation allowing for abortions in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities.

The five TDs were allowed to vote with their conscience on the Bill by the Taoiseach, which all Fine Gael TDs opposed.