Independents to unite for Dáil group

AT least nine Independent TDs have agreed in principle to forming a Dáil technical group giving them similar speaking and other rights to political parties.

After informal discussions between Independents yesterday, two more TDs agreed to join the group including former Fianna Fáil TD Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South) and Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West).

Organisers of the group said Michael Lowry — a former Fine Gael minister who supported the outgoing Fianna Fáil Government as an Independent — is giving it “serious consideration”.

His involvement would bring the group to the 10 TDs required to form the technical group. Under Dáil rules, the majority of Independents, of which there are now 19, are needed to make such a group.

Seven independents agreed to the formation of a group at a meeting on Tuesday, lead by Finian McGrath and including Maureen O’Sullivan, Catherine Murphy, Stephen Donnelly, Shane Ross, Mick Wallace and Luke “Ming” Flanagan.

The group will seek a number of rule changes, which will require a Dáil vote, allowing all individuals to speak on issues. It is investigating whether under standing orders they can have a rotating leader.