In an attempt to establish the next government, the head of Fine Gael met with the Labour Party in a “constructive” manner, reports RTE.
Simon Harris stated in a statement that he and the negotiation team of his party had “a very lengthy, constructive engagement” with Ivana Bacik, the head of Labour.
“Policy topics including housing, health, enterprise, and climate were the main emphasis of the summit.
“The Labour Party has its own processes to work through now and we respect that,” he stated, reports RTE.
Speaking earlier this week in Dublin, Mr. Harris affirmed that he will also meet with the Social Democrats.
When asked about the Moriarty Tribunal’s conclusions about Deputy Michael Lowry, the Regional Group of Independents’ point of contact, Mr Harris stated that it is important to keep in mind that he was elected by a sizable majority of the electorate and has been granted the authority to form a government, reports RTE.
“Absolutely, it’s up to people to decide who they do and don’t wish to go into government with. But we’re not having a conversation individually with any one TD. We’re talking to a regional group that has come together,” Mr Harris said.
He went on to say that it is the responsibility of those elected to the Dáil to attempt to establish an administration, reports RTE.
According to him, his party is collaborating with Fianna Fáil in an effort to form a stable administration, which entails holding discussions with other organisations.
“There’s a lot of people outlining why they don’t wish to be government, and I think it’s important that we concentrate, because what we do need to do here is deliver a stable government for everyone,” Mr Harris said, reports RTE.
He went on to say that Mr. Lowry has backed several administrations over the years and that he did not find any parallel between the Tipperary TD and Gerard Hutch’s unsuccessful election campaign.
Mr Harris was questioned if people had the right to be jaded about politics while negotiations with Deputy Lowry continue and colleague Independent Verona Murphy—who Fine Gael deselected—is expected to be nominated as ceann chairle.
He replied: “Yes. Although Deputy Murphy had a valid cause for not belonging to the Fine Gael party, he went on to win a seat in Dáil Éireann after receiving popular support, reports RTE.
“Reality and the way people voted in the General Election must be respected,” he stated, reports RTE.
Prior to the general election in 2020, Fine Gael deselected Ms. Murphy.
It followed a 2019 by-election campaign in which Fine Gael candidate Ms. Murphy expressed regret for saying that certain asylum seekers entering Ireland need to be “deprogrammed” since they “carry angst” and could have been “infiltrated by ISIS,” reports RTE.
Mr. Harris stated that no member of Fine Gael would be compelled to vote a certain way on the matter of choosing the next ceann chairle.
Mr. Harris said, “It is an individual vote that every TD has,” and stated that the topic will be covered at a parliamentary party meeting tomorrow night, reports RTE.
He did, however, state that the party will attempt to reach an agreement on the matter.
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