Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran – a key member of the Regional Group of Independent TDs jobs involved in government formation efforts – has said there will not be ministerial jobs for all of them, that the incoming taoiseach will make appointments and “it’s only fair not to make demands”.
His comments come after another member of the Regional Group of Independents, Galway West TD Noel Grealish, confirmed he would be interested in a ministerial role for himself.
Winning the support of members of the group is seen as the most likely route for a potential coalition between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to achieving a Dáil majority.
Mr Moran, a Longford-Westmeath TD, served as a junior minister in the Fine Gael-led minority government that was in office between 2016 and 2020.
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He denied that there was annoyance in the Regional Group that Mr Grealish had publicly said he was interested in being a minister, saying “he told us” and the group is “all a good bunch of people”.
Asked if he too would be interested in a ministerial role, he said he wants “a good Programme for Government and being able deliver it over five years.”
He said he wanted to make sure the government lasts its full term, adding that the people want “stability” and “I will work to make sure that works.”
He also said: “I don’t think there’s jobs for us all so we have to talk as group and see what’s available but it’s up to the incoming taoiseach to appoint the ministers and it’s only fair not to make demands.”
He said: “I want us all to work together and trust one another.”
Mr Moran declined to offer details of a document containing policy issues that Regional Group of Independents want to see implemented if government talks are successful.
He said: “I personally don’t think we should make it available to press” adding that it should “part of the overall program with our partners Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and put as the five year plan”.
Mr Moran also said: “I was there before in government and five-year programme is better then us all trying to take credit for this and that.”
On Thursday, Mr Grealish said “Government negotiations are ongoing and I believe in the importance of ensuring a robust Programme for Government, which addresses policy issues, the concerns of the Irish people, issues of relevance for Ireland nationally and internationally and the constituency of Galway West.”
He said he remained “in active discussions with my regional group colleagues, which is headed up by Michael Lowry TD” and all of its members “have an equal part to play to develop this Programme for Government”.
Mr Grealish also said “discussions at this stage are focused on policy”.
“The issue of ministerial roles has not been discussed thus far, however I wish to confirm that I am interested in such a position, if it becomes available at a later stage of negotiations.”
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