The Taoiseach and Fine Gael party leader Enda Kenny has proclaimed that he has absolutely no intention in dealing with any Independent TDs, in order to make up a full government after the next general election.
The Taoiseach told RTE that he did not see a scenario where Fine Gael and Labour would require additional support from Independent TD’s after the next general election. Mr Kenny’s comments come after initial reports suggested that a number of Independent TD’s including Michael Lowry would be part of the next government in order to make up the numbers in the Dáil. Mr Kenny told RTÉ’s This Week programme: “There are no discussions, no connections, no contact with any Independent from the Fine Gael party. I don’t envisage having to do any business with any Independent.”
The Taoiseach seemed to reiterate his claims after he was questioned on the possibility of Independent TD Michael Lowry, joining Fine Gael and Labour in government, saying: ” I have no intention of having to do business with any Independent I hope that is clear.”
Speculation on Mr Lowry’s, involvement comes after he topped the poll in Tipperary North five years ago, which resulted in him agreeing a deal with the Fianna Fáil/Green party coalition.