Government ‘can do deal’ with other Independents if current ministers step down

The Government is open to doing deals with other Independents if existing ministers jump ship or the minority administration collapses, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has said.

In the first hints of how Enda Kenny’s minority government may be salvaged if it falls apart, Mr Creed said that its survival was “inextricably linked” with getting on with a handful of Independents.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, he also said reopening Ireland’s embassy in Iran would be a “game changer” in the post-Brexit climate and allow access to quarter of a billion people.

Changes to trade, fishing stocks, depleted funding for farmers, and accessing new markets are all issues on the Cork TD’s plate as Ireland attempts to prepare for Brexit shocks ahead.

Mr Creed spoke candidly about how the Fine Gael- Independent minority Government was coping and how such administrations are now here to stay.

“The Government’s survival is inextricably linked with getting on with a handful of independents outside of those who are currently signed on,” said Mr Creed.

“I think this Government will sink or swim on the basis of how it embraces minority government status and its openness to work in a collegiate fashion with all Oireachtas members.

“I say this whether it’s the Anti-Austerity Alliance, which I get ideas from that I could implement, or any other quarter. If I get a good idea and it stands up to scrutiny, I’ve no problem running with it and giving credit where it is due.”

However, asked what the Government would do if Independent ministers were to fall out with the Fine Gael side, the minister admitted there were options there to patch up the minority Government.

This includes doing special deals with non- government Independent TDs, such as Roscommon-Galway’s Michael Fitzmaurice, Dublin Central’s Maureen O’Sullivan, or Galway West’s Noel Grealish.

All three TDs were among a cohort of Independents who originally participated in government formation talks but ultimately decided against backing Mr Kenny’s administration.

“There are obvious ones who are a better fit for the government, so yes, these are ones we could do deals with,” he said.

Recent tensions among Fine Gael and Independent ministers have thrown up fresh questions about how long the minority government will last. This included rows over whether Independent ministers Shane Ross and Finian McGrath could back proposals to liberalise the abortion laws.

Shane Ross and Finian McGrath

Junior minister John Halligan also said last week that he backed legalising prostitution, decriminalising drug use, and euthanasia, issues which conservative Fine Gael figures would likely oppose.

Mr Creed remains focused on his portfolio, which includes protecting Irish farmers, the food industry, and fisheries from any shock hits after Brexit.

Irish negotiators, when Britain triggers its exit, intend to highlight Ireland’s “excessive dependence” on the UK market, he said.

The value of beef trade with Britain is €1.1bn, while dairy is just under €1bn.

Mr Creed said Britain contributed €10bn annually into the EU, 40% of which goes to farmers.