Independent Ireland 'not going to Dublin to make up the numbers', says Cork's Michael Collins

Newly re-elected Cork South West TD and the leader of a newly-minted political party, Independent Ireland, Michael Collins, laid down a strong marker that his party would be part of negotiations to form the next government and they would have firm red lines that other parties would have to respect.

Mr Collins said he believed it would take “at least four parties” to make up the new government, that his party were prepared to be involved, and he and his colleagues were not afraid to “take the hard decisions”.

“The previous Government have to realise that they won’t walk in with us. Independent Ireland have policies, Independent Ireland will stand for the people on our waiting lists, people who have no house, people who are losing their livelihoods in agriculture and fisheries — these are areas that we need to have deep discussions on in the days and weeks ahead — hopefully not the weeks.”

Negotiations

He said that he recalled being involved in negotiations in 2016 when he could see government ministers “playing on their phones” across the table from him.

“That won’t happen this time, we won’t tolerate that nonsense, it will be straight talking,” Mr Collins said.

“If they want to do business, it will be done in a way that the people will be put first this time.”

He pointed out that both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had ruled out going into government with Sinn Féin.

“That leaves only one option for the two main parties — and we, Independent Ireland, will be sitting around the table with all parties, going forward.

“So if they want to seriously form a government, they will want to deliver our policies going forward, and those polices will be delivered for the people.”