Independents TDs give Taoiseach list of proposals

Taoiseach Enda Kenny is to consider a list of proposals tabled by a group of Independent TDs as part of negotiations on the formation of a government.

Mr Kenny yesterday met members of the Independent Alliance group of deputies, as well as others who are not aligned with the group.

He asked for their support when the Dáil meets next Thursday to elect a Taoiseach and said he was reaching out to all non-party deputies.

The Independent Alliance comprises Shane Ross, Finian McGrath, John Halligan, Kevin “Boxer” Moran, Michael Fitzmaurice and newly elected Galway East TD Seán Canney.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr McGrath, a TD for Dublin Bay North, described the meeting as “positive” and said the Taoiseach seemed open to their ideas. Mr Kenny told the TDs he would introduce a package of Dáil reforms, and the Independents told the Taoiseach a reform of the whip system was one of their priorities.

Mr Moran said the alliance did not want to see an “unstable government” emerge and was prepared to work with anyone.

Mr Halligan said it was a “constructive” meeting.

“We believe he has taken it on board and we wait to see his response next week and we look forward to meeting him again maybe next week,” Mr Halligan said. Mr Ross said the group would also meet Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin next week.

‘Charter for change’

The group gave Mr Kenny a copy of its “charter for change” proposals, which were agreed before the election by candidates standing under the Independent Alliance banner.

They raised issues such as state board appointments, mental health and disability and issues affecting rural Ireland, such as protecting the post office network and improving broadband infrastructure.

Mr Kenny told the group he would consider the elements within the charter for change and revert to the group.

The charter includes a number of principles to provide “the basis for a radical, but responsible, government for Ireland”.

The charter also commits the group to supporting a government in votes of confidence “provided our principles and priorities are adequately and vigorously addressed in legislation”. It also says the group is only prepared to accept seats in Cabinet if that is the best way of seeing its principles advanced.

The principles include commitments to tackle cronyism, reform the Oireachtas, protect rural Ireland, reform the banks, “prioritise the needs of small business”, protect the vulnerable and tackle crime.