Historic Deal Paves Way for New Irish Government Formation
A landmark agreement has been reached between the Regional Independent Group (RIG), Fianna Fáil, and Fine Gael, setting the stage for the formation of Ireland’s next government. This breakthrough follows weeks of intense negotiations and marks a notable step toward political stability in the country.
Under the new deal,the RIG will secure two super junior ministries,granting two of its members a seat at the Cabinet table.Galway East TD Seán Canney and Galway West TD Noel Grealish are set to fill these roles, while Sligo–Leitrim TD Marian Harkin and Longford–Westmeath TD Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran will take on junior ministerial positions.
The agreement also outlines a clear path for Fianna Fáil and Fine gael to begin their respective ratification processes. Sources indicate these processes are expected to conclude in time for the Dáil meeting scheduled for January 22nd.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Cabinet Positions | RIG secures two super junior ministries; full cabinet roles retained by fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. |
| Taoiseach Rotation | Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to take first rotation,followed by Fine gael later in the term. |
| Public Transport | No continuation of the 2:1 spending ratio favoring public transport over roads. |
| Referendums | no commitment to hold referendums on public ownership of water or the right to housing. |
| Housing Schemes | Help to Buy and First Home schemes extended to 2030, with potential expansions. |
A Balancing Act
while the RIG had initially sought a full cabinet seat, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael stood firm, ensuring that the allocation of full cabinet positions would remain within the two major parties. The anticipated split is eight-to-seven in favor of Fianna Fáil, led by Tánaiste Micheál Martin.
The new government’s program will notably diverge from the previous coalition’s commitment to a 2:1 spending ratio favoring public transport projects over new roads. A source involved in drafting the programme revealed it would remain “silent” on this ratio, though increased capital spending on major infrastructure projects like Metro and Dart suggests the ratio may remain unchanged or even increase.
Policy Priorities and Commitments
The draft programme for government includes significant commitments to housing, with plans to extend the Help to Buy and First Home schemes until 2030. Additionally, the First Home scheme will be expanded to include second homes, a departure from its current limitation to new builds or self-build homes.
Independent TD Michael Lowry expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of the RIG’s policies in the draft programme.“It has been a long and painstaking process. We are happy that most of our policy document is reflected in the programme for government,” he said. Lowry also confirmed “agreement in principle” on ministerial positions, emphasizing the group’s focus on national issues rather than local concerns.
Voices from the Ground
Dublin Bay North TD Barry Heneghan, a member of the RIG, voiced his support for the agreement following a final meeting with Taoiseach Simon Harris and Micheál Martin. “I fought for Dublin Bay North. The things I ran on—addressing the housing crisis, disability, mental health, Irish language, Beaumont Hospital—I am very happy with how things went there,” he said.
What’s Next?
The deal must now be formally approved by the seven members of the RIG, as well as the parliamentary parties of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Once ratified, the new government is expected to take office, bringing with it a renewed focus on housing, infrastructure, and economic stability.
As Ireland prepares for this new chapter, the agreement represents a delicate balance of power and priorities, reflecting the complexities of coalition politics in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
For more updates on Ireland’s government formation, follow our coverage here.
Inside the Room: Healy-Raes Push for Kerry in Government Formation talks
As Ireland’s government formation talks intensify, the Healy-Rae brothers, Danny and Michael, have emerged as key figures in negotiations with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Their focus? Ensuring that the people of Kerry are no longer “seriously left behind.”
The brothers, known for their strong advocacy for rural Ireland, have been in discussions with the two major parties, seeking significant investment for their constituency. Danny Healy-Rae emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “The people of Kerry have been seriously left behind, and we have an awful lot to talk about with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.”
Michael Healy-Rae echoed this sentiment, adding, “We have a lot of headings to go through tonight, and the best way I could describe it is you might see a few candles on inside there late tonight burning the midnight oil, because we’ll keep at it in the best way we can, and hopefully it will work.”
The Stakes for Kerry
The Healy-raes have made it clear that their priority is securing tangible benefits for Kerry, rather than pursuing ministerial positions. Michael healy-Rae downplayed the significance of a potential super-junior ministerial role, stating, “The main concern that myself and Danny have is the electorate in Kerry and doing right by the people in Kerry. It’s not about positions.”
However, sources indicate that no offer of a super-junior ministerial role—which would grant them a seat at the Cabinet table—is forthcoming. Instead, the brothers may be offered a conventional junior ministerial role, operating under a full cabinet position.
When pressed about the level of investment required for Kerry, Michael Healy-Rae remained tight-lipped, saying, “We’re not going into that sort of stuff now. We’ll do that inside there [Government Buildings].” Danny Healy-Rae added,“You couldn’t put a figure on it anyway as it is indeed so much.”
Their son, Cllr Johnny Healy-Rae, humorously noted the complexity of the negotiations, quipping, “It would take a lot of men to count the pages anyway.”
A broader Outlook
While the Healy-Raes are focused on Kerry, they acknowledge the broader responsibilities of government. Michael Healy-Rae emphasized, “And of course, there’s a job to do in the rest of the country as well. But our first crucial issue is dealing with the commitments that we want to deliver on in Kerry.”
The Fine Gael parliamentary party is set to meet on Wednesday, though no specific time has been arranged. It is expected that their meeting will coincide with Fianna Fáil’s discussions, as both parties work to finalize the formation of the next government.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Focus of Talks | Securing investment for Kerry, not ministerial positions. |
| Potential Role | Conventional junior ministerial role, no super-junior offer expected. |
| Healy-Raes’ Stance | Prioritizing Kerry’s needs, with significant investment required. |
| Next Steps | Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to hold meetings on wednesday. |
What’s Next?
As negotiations continue, the Healy-Raes remain steadfast in their commitment to Kerry. Their ability to secure meaningful investment for their constituency could play a pivotal role in the formation of the next government.
for more insights into the intensity of these government formation talks, read ‘It has been intense’: Inside the room of Government formation.
Stay tuned as the political landscape evolves, and the Healy-Raes work tirelessly to ensure Kerry’s voice is heard at the highest levels of government.Breaking News: Political Leaders Engage in Crucial Talks to Draft Government Programme
In a pivotal moment for the nation, political leaders have convened to discuss a draft programme for government, signaling a potential shift in the country’s political landscape.The talks, described as “intense and productive” by insiders, aim to address pressing national issues and chart a course for the future.
The discussions, which include representatives from across the political spectrum, are focused on creating a complete plan that balances economic recovery, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. “this is a critical juncture for our country,” said one senior negotiator. “We are committed to finding common ground and delivering a programme that reflects the needs of all citizens.”
Key Focus Areas of the Draft Programme
The draft programme for government is expected to prioritize several key areas, including:
- Economic Recovery: With the global economy still reeling from the impacts of recent crises, the programme aims to stimulate growth through targeted investments and job creation initiatives.
- Social Welfare: Addressing inequality and improving access to healthcare, education, and housing are central to the discussions.
- Climate Action: The draft includes aspiring plans to transition to renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with international climate goals.
A Collaborative Effort
The talks have been marked by a spirit of collaboration, with leaders from various parties working together to overcome ideological differences. “This is not about party politics,” emphasized one participant. “It’s about doing what’s best for the people we serve.”
The draft programme is expected to undergo further refinement before being presented to the public. Stakeholders are optimistic that the final document will reflect a balanced and forward-thinking approach to governance.
What’s next?
As the discussions continue, citizens are encouraged to stay informed and engage with the process. Public feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the final programme, ensuring that it truly represents the aspirations of the nation.For more updates on the draft programme for government, follow our live coverage here.
Table: Key Focus Areas of the Draft Programme
| Focus area | key Objectives |
|———————–|———————————————————————————–|
| Economic Recovery | Stimulate growth, create jobs, and support small businesses. |
| Social Welfare | Improve healthcare, education, and housing access; reduce inequality. |
| Climate Action | Transition to renewable energy; reduce carbon emissions; meet climate goals. |
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest developments on this historic effort to shape the future of our nation. Your voice matters—join the conversation and make your opinions heard.
Breakthrough in the formation of a new administration. The talks, which have been described as “intense” and ”painstaking,” involve key figures from Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Rural Independent Group (RIG), as well as independent TDs like Michael Lowry and the Healy-Rae brothers.
Key Developments in the Talks
- michael Lowry’s Satisfaction with RIG Policies
Independent TD Michael Lowry expressed his approval of the draft program, stating that most of the RIG’s policy document has been incorporated. Lowry emphasized the group’s focus on national issues over local concerns and confirmed an “agreement in principle” on ministerial positions. This marks a significant step forward in aligning the priorities of the RIG with the broader government agenda.
- Barry Heneghan’s Support for the Agreement
Dublin bay North TD Barry Heneghan, a member of the RIG, voiced his support for the draft programme after final discussions with Taoiseach Simon Harris and Micheál Martin. Heneghan highlighted his satisfaction with the inclusion of key issues such as housing, disability rights, mental health, and support for Beaumont Hospital.His endorsement underscores the RIG’s commitment too addressing critical national challenges.
- Healy-Raes’ Push for Kerry
The Healy-Rae brothers, Danny and Michael, have emerged as pivotal figures in the negotiations, advocating for significant investment in Kerry. Thay have made it clear that their priority is securing tangible benefits for their constituency rather than pursuing ministerial roles. While no super-junior ministerial position has been offered, the brothers remain focused on delivering for Kerry, even if it means burning the “midnight oil” in negotiations.
- next Steps: Ratification and Implementation
The draft programme must now be formally approved by the seven members of the RIG, and also the parliamentary parties of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Once ratified, the new government is expected to take office, with a renewed focus on housing, infrastructure, and economic stability. The agreement represents a delicate balance of power and priorities, reflecting the complexities of coalition politics in Ireland.
Voices from the Ground
- Danny Healy-Rae: “The people of Kerry have been seriously left behind, and we have an awful lot to talk about with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.”
- Michael Healy-Rae: “Our first crucial issue is dealing with the commitments we want to deliver on in Kerry. But there’s a job to do in the rest of the country as well.”
- Cllr Johnny Healy-Rae: “It would take a lot of men to count the pages anyway,” humorously noting the complexity of the negotiations.
What’s at Stake?
The negotiations are not just about forming a government but also about addressing the pressing needs of constituencies like Kerry, which have historically felt neglected. The Healy-Raes’ ability to secure meaningful investment for their region could play a pivotal role in the success of the new administration. Meanwhile, the inclusion of RIG policies in the draft programme reflects a broader effort to balance national and local priorities.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Focus of Talks | Securing investment for Kerry, addressing national issues like housing. |
| Potential Roles | Conventional junior ministerial roles, no super-junior offers expected. |
| Healy-Raes’ Stance | Prioritizing Kerry’s needs, with significant investment required. |
| Next Steps | Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to hold meetings on Wednesday for final approval. |
Looking Ahead
as ireland prepares for this new chapter, the agreement represents a delicate balance of power and priorities.The focus on housing, infrastructure, and economic stability reflects the urgent needs of the nation, while the emphasis on local investment highlights the importance of addressing regional disparities.
For more updates on ireland’s government formation, follow our coverage here.
Stay tuned as the political landscape evolves, and key figures like the Healy-Raes work tirelessly to ensure their constituencies are heard at the highest levels of government.
