Barry Heneghan moves Dáil seat away from Michael Lowry

Barry Heneghan, the Independent TD for Dublin Bay North, has moved his seat in the Dáil away from that of Tipperary Independent TD Michael Lowry.

Both TDs are members of an Independent technical group composed of three Government-supporting TDs and two in Opposition.

The decision of the Coalition to grant this group speaking rights for Leaders’ Questions and other priority slots in the Dáil has been the cause of the ongoing bitter row that has led to Tuesday’s confidence motion in Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy.

In a letter to Taoiseach Micheál Martin, which has been seen by The Irish Times, Mr Heneghan has said he will remain a member of the group but that there were clear political reasons behind his decision to distance himself from Mr Lowry in the Dáil.

He said he would not be “bullied or intimidated” away from his stance, by Opposition TDs or by others.

Mr Heneghan, one of the youngest politicians in the Dáil, emphasised his status as an Independent TD and also reminded Mr Martin that his support was not unconditional, but would depend on his priorities being delivered.

The Dublin Bay North TD said he would continue to support the Government and try to deliver results for his constituents.