Richard Bruton outlines Fine Gael minority coalition plan

Independent TDs and deputies from smaller parties who drop out of discussions with Fine Gael about a programme for government are likely to still be asked to support certain policies from opposition.

Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton presented a paper at Fine Gael’s government discussions this week on how the mechanics of a minority coalition led by the party would work.

Mr Bruton’s paper, entitled Making Partnership in Democracy Work, outlined how budgets and day-to-day politics would work in a Fine Gael-led minority coalition.

While not included in the document, party sources said Independent deputies and smaller party representatives would still be able to support the policies of a minority administration.

An example cited was the Green Party, which pulled out of talks yesterday, supporting climate change policies from opposition.

Another key issue identified in Mr Bruton’s document is the priority to be attached to certain policy areas.

Frustration

“Our political system is too focused on the short term and does not easily accommodate long-term thinking,” it said.

Some Fine Gael sources suggested the frustration felt by Independents at the length of the ongoing talks with Fine Gael about government formation was because of their lack of experience of the decision-making process in Leinster House.

Mr Bruton’s plan accounts for “evolving political relationships” and says that central to a “new form of government must be the concept of ‘good faith and no surprises’ ”.

“Other countries that have experienced regular minority governments or variable coalitions have developed conventions which make it easier to maintain a partnership approach.

"These, and other approaches, can and should be considered in a new working arrangement both within government and between government and the Oireachtas. "

Structures would also be instituted to keep TDs who sign up to the minority government aware “of government policy development and outputs” and keep them informed of any media events the government may be holding that would be of interest. This process would be co-ordinated between the taoiseach’s office and whip’s office.

Key reform

The process by which the budget is framed would also be changed in such a process.

This is described as a “key reform” and would give the Dáil “a greater say in the development of budgets and deputies greater opportunity to propose substantive changes”.

The Spring Economic Statement would remain, setting out the amount of money available each year for tax cuts and spending increases.

Different ministers would also be able to pitch for funding set aside for “competitive funds” – a certain amount of money allocated for competition between departments.