This article recounts the history of Independent TDs in Irish politics, focusing on a pivotal event in 1982 when two Independent TDs voted against Garret FitzGerald's budget, leading to a general election. It highlights the impact of those TDs, Jim Kemmy and Joe Sherlock, on their constituents and the political landscape.
Throughout the 1980s, when FitzGerald and Haughey vied to be taoiseach, Dáil divisions could be very narrow indeed Leinster House. Forty years ago, when Independents could be counted almost on one hand, and their odds of survival were less than they are now, they actually brought a government down.
Photograph: Getty ImagesWhile doubts have been expressed within Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on the staying power of Independent TDs – “would you want to go on a lion hunt with some of them?” – the indications are that the powers that be believe there are enough among the non-aligned to keep a government in office for five years. In good times, or bad. Forty years ago, when Independents could be counted almost on one hand, and their odds of survival were less than they are now, they actually brought a government down. In January 1982, as cutbacks and “facing reality” became the norm, two Independent TDs voted against Garret FitzGerald’s budget to precipitate a general election. Jim Kemmy – the “burly stonemason from Garryowen” – was greeted enthusiastically when he went home to Limerick after collapsing the government. “Kemmy was perfectly right, we are proud of him. It was a disgrace to try and put VAT on shoes and clothes and make the butter and milk dearer.” The other deputy who had his moment of government-felling glory, Joe Sherlock, retained his reputation for “fierce honesty” in his electoral base of Mallow. One constituent said he had “showed them all up”. Kemmy and Sherlock were both re-elected. Seán “Dublin Bay” Loftus, who had voted with FitzGerald’s rival Charles Haughey, did not make it back to the Dáil in 1982. He had been elected in June the previous year, 20 years after his first attempt. But he enjoyed more success in local politics where the “Dublin Bay” addition to his name – one of several, including “Alderman” – was in keeping with his environmental concerns. Noël Browne, who supported FitzGerald’s budget, retired from politics at this poin
Independent Tds Irish Politics Garret Fitzgerald Joe Sherlock Jim Kemmy Dáil Éireann
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