Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael used Independent Ireland as ‘bait’ in government talks, says Collins

Independent Ireland leader says his party was sidelined in coalition talks and criticises how regional independents entered government

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins said his party would be prepared to enter government in the future, but would not form a coalition with parties such as the Greens. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins 

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael used Independent Ireland as “bait” to lure the separate regional independents into Government, party leader Michael Collins has claimed.

The Cork South-West TD told the Irish Examiner his party, which was established in 2023, brought a full manifesto to government negotiations, while others “didn’t have a scrap of paper”.

Mr Collins also said his party would be prepared to enter government in the future, but would not form a coalition with parties such as the Greens.

The general election in 2024 was the first one contested by Independent Ireland, with the party returning four TDs.

It was involved in Government formation talks but was only brought to talks in the final days before the deal between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the separate regional independents was done.

Mr Collins said he believed his party was used to entice the other regional independents.

“I think we were being used as bait. We said, ‘we are ready to sit with you whenever’. We weren't brought in until late [in the talks].

“We met with [Jack] Chambers and [Helen] McEntee. It was quite courteous. Then we met with the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste on the eve of the election of ministers.

“They said: ‘Thanks very much, but no thanks.'

“I feel, with the other group of other independents, it wasn’t based on policies. It was based on ministries.” 

Mr Collins said his party was called in “last minute because there was a bit of a wobble” with the formation talks, and he was “disappointed with negotiations”.

He admitted his party had “red lines”, including its opposition to the Mercosur deal — a major trade agreement between the EU and Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay — the cost-of-living crisis, and wastage of public funds.

Mr Collins would not rule out going into government in future, but he said some potential coalition partners would be a non-runner.

He is open to entering government with Sinn Féin, but said Independent Ireland would have to “look very strongly” at who they are entering government with.

He added: “'I’m not going to sit around the table with the Green Party, which is 100% different to what we are. The Social Democrats, Labour, if that's the team [Sinn Féin] are going in with, I would have very, very serious concerns. I couldn't see Independent Ireland standing for that.”