Fine Gael focused on gaining support of Independent Alliance TDs

Fine Gael is focusing its efforts on securing the support of the six members of the Independent Alliance in a bid to elect Enda Kenny as taoiseach.

The party met the members of the group twice over recent days to discuss policy and procedure.

However, Fine Gael has not made any contact with the five rural TDs since late last week, in a sign the party is concentrating its efforts on the Alliance.

A number of the TDs in the Alliance have told The Irish Times there is no guarantee they will vote as a group.

No whip

One TD said: “What people do not understand is there is no whip imposed on the alliance. If our charter for change is implemented in full we could vote as a group. If it is not we don’t have to.

“If there is a policy proposal that I do not agree with I will not be voting with Fine Gael.

“The alliance does not have to disband as a group. We have always had that position.”

The alliance met Fine Gael’s negotiating team on Monday and yesterday evening to consider the response to the policy framework presented to the Independents two weeks ago.

It also discussed the mechanics of how a minority government would work and the level of support that would be required from the Independent TDs.

There had been some hope that discussions between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil would conclude last night and extensive negotiations could begin with Independents today.

The five rural TDs – Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath, Roscommon TD Denis Naughten, Cork South-West Michael Collin, Galway West TD Noel Grealish and Clare TD Michael Harty – were due to meet last night ahead of the Dáil sitting today.

Fine Gael is confident it can secure the support of Mr Naughten and Mr Harty but is unlikely to win the backing of the three others.

Eighth Amendment

Mr Collins, Mr Grealish and Mr McGrath have insisted they will not support any Government that seeks to change legislation surrounding the eighth amendment.

Independent TD Katherine Zappone, who voted for Enda Kenny as taoiseach last week, said she wants to serve in government.

Ms Zappone said she voted with Fine Gael because nobody was providing an alternative and her support was a sign she was willing to participate in a government led by the party. The Dublin South-West TD said she entered politics to create change and achieve further equality.

She added: “During the government negotiations I have sought change and I have been promised change.

“As an Independent I have decided that I will be in a better position to guarantee delivery of these promises.

“I have received commitments on positive changes including increased investment in affordable childcare, addressing a referendum on the Eighth Amendment and delivering diversity in our schools.”

The Green Party also met Fine Gael yesterday to discuss if and how it could support a Fine Gael minority government.

Leader Eamon Ryan insisted the party would not enter government but could back measures from the opposition benches.