Elaine Loughlin: Independents' freewheeling nature makes them unpredictable partners

Independents have given FF and FG a path to power but some are untested politically while others have courted controversy and caused headaches for previous administrations

Regional Independent TDs Gillian Toole, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, Noel Grealish, Michael Lowry, Barry Heneghan, Marian Harkin, and Sean Canney speaking to the media at Leinster House after they finalised a government formation agreement with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

With 48 soldiers of destiny, 38 blueshirts, seven regionals, two Kerrymen, and a bonus Ceann Comhairle position, the new Government has been formed.

Independents have facilitated a path to power for the two main political parties, but their individualist, freewheeling nature makes them unpredictable, a trait that no government leader wants to see among the ranks.