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”.