Naughten rules out rejoining FG despite making peace with Kenny

Independent Minister Denis Naughten has said he will not be rejoining Fine Gael despite having mended many fences with Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Mr Naughten and the Fine Gael leader fell out spectacularly after the 2011 general election over the future of Roscommon hospital, prompting him to leave the party.

The Roscommon TD, in an interview with The Irish Times, praised Mr Kenny for his performance as Taoiseach, saying he had been impressed by his handling of the responsibilities that go with the position.

In 2011, the Fine Gael-Labour government announced cutbacks and closures to emergency services at Roscommon hospital. Mr Naughten at the time accused Mr Kenny of reneging on an undertaking he gave during the election campaign to retain services there.

That claim was denied, but Mr Naughten’s version was corroborated by a recording made by a journalist of Mr Kenny’s pledge to a party rally in Roscommon.

Relationships between the two politicians, who were once close, deteriorated but in the past year they have improved to the extent that both are now working well together as Cabinet colleagues.

Mr Naughten predicted the current minority Government would last longer than some critics have suggested, despite being 20 seats short of a majority.

“We are all professionals. We have a challenging job of work to do,” he said. “It’s more challenging now with Brexit and what is going to happen down the road. I am very focused on delivering what’s in the Programme for Government.”

Asked about rejoining Fine Gael, Mr Naughten replied that in this Government he had also forged a close working relationship with Fianna Fáil, which is providing support on matters of national interest.

“We cannot get stuff through without Fianna Fáil or the Opposition. There are no chances of me joining Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael or the Green Party for that matter,” he said. “I am one of few Ministers who has accepted an amendment tabled by the Green Party.”

Asked about the longevity of the Government, Mr Naughten replied: “I think it can surprise people. I don’t think I am negatively disposed to it lasting.

“Sure there have been problems and with people who have had to compromise for the first time. It’s not as easy to do when you are an Independent. It is easier for me [because of his party background].

Agenda

“The important thing is there is proper consultation with the public and the

Oireachtas

. ”

Mr Naughten said he was “completely agnostic” on the question of Fine Gael’s leadership saying it was a matter for them.

Regarding Mr Kenny, he said: “I have been impressed with his performance inside in the Cabinet. He is an excellent chair of meetings. We had nearly 80 items on the agenda (at the last meeting before the summer) and we got through them. There are few chairs who would get through an agenda like that in a week.

“In fairness to him, he is an excellent chair. It’s a very business-like Cabinet.”