Arrangements underpinning the support of Independents seem to be based on constructive ambiguity
Regional Independent Group members Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, Noel Grealish, Gillian Toole, Michael Lowry, Marian Harkin, Barry Heneghan and Séan Canney at Leinster House. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien/The Irish TimesThe history of Independents in, or supporting, government is a long one, but there is some distance from the days when Independents would openly declare the list of their constituency swag after sealing a deal with the government of the day.
But Canney said the structure being put in place to provide Independents with an input into the NDP and the HSE’s Capital Plan for investment in the country’s health service offers them access to “make a strong case” for projects in their constituency or region.Precisely how the process would work “will be worked out”, he said.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael sources say there will be access, but there’s no special deal, and the status given to the Independents is similar to backbenchers or anyone supporting the Government. Described as “very loyal” to the government he served in, he lost his seat in 2020 but worked his way back on to the Westmeath County Council. Colleagues say he has had his fair share of luck in political life, benefiting from Fianna Fáil’s weakness in Athlone to build up a voter base and constituency organisation. The timing of the floods in Athlone in 2015, and the associated media profile he cultivated, helped his first Dáil tilt.
Grealish is seen by some as having mastered the art of criticising government while managing to claim some credit for its wins, maintaining cordial relations with senior government figures. Grealish works from 7am and is described by a source as “exceptionally likable” who “slowly and successfully cultivates support through engaging with people and solving problems”, says a source.
A pharmacist and former Fine Gael councillor, Toole quit the party in 2019 after five years on the council, running as an Independent in Ratoath. After she left, there was a controversy after a senior Fine Gael member in the constituency was alleged to have used a racial slur while criticising her at a party meeting, which led to an internal investigation.
One source among the Independents described him as an “exceptional negotiator” who “understands the system, how things work and leaves no stone unturned”. The 71-year old father-of-three has built up a considerable constituency operation including a “Team Lowry” group of five councillors in Tipperary with his son Michéal Lowry among their number.
In the immediate aftermath of the general election, Marian Harkin made no secret of her intention to enter government talks, saying it was “the reason that I ran in the first place”. From Ballintogher, Co Sligo, she became active in politics when living in Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim, where her late husband ran a business. A former teacher, she contested the 1999 European election but lost out on a seat to Dana Rosemary Scallon.
She has “no cast-iron” guarantees on such projects, she says, “but it’s my job to lobby and to push for them – and that’s what I will do”.Barry Heneghan has already seen some backlash over his decision to throw his vote behind the Government. Photograph: PA As a politician with a strong online presence, Heneghan has already seen some backlash over his decision to throw his vote behind the Government. He met this head on, posting on Instagram addressing the criticism.
Galway East TD Seán Canney was described by one politician who worked with him previously as “decent”, “effective” and “shrewd”. A quantity surveyor by trade, Canney has decades of experience in the building industry. He also worked as a lecturer in construction economics and quantity surveying at Atlantic Technological University.
He says they are “all things that have a huge impact regionally” and hopes he can use his participation in government to progress or expedite such projects.15.01.2025. Michael Healy Rae with his brother Danny. Once they did a deal, he said, they would stick with it “through thick and thin”. Photograph: Collins
Married to Eileen, the father-of-five is a postmaster and service-station owner in Kilgarvan. He is also a plant hire contractor and farmer, and has frequently emerged as the biggest landlord in the Dáil in the annual declarations of TD interests.
Noel-Grealish Michael-Lowry Marian-Harkin Danny-Healy-Rae Michael-Healy-Rae Sean-Canney Regional-Independent-Group
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