TD Michael Fitzmaurice has joined the newly formed Independent Ireland Party.
Mr Fitzmaurice, TD for Roscommon/Galway was an Independent before joining this party and has mentioned that this will allow more independent TDs the opportunity to run with support. The Independent Ireland Party was registered 8 November, 2023 and currently is made up of three members.
In an interview with Mr Fitzmaurice, the TD said that he hopes this will help voters have more options in the upcoming election and to address issues that are currently facing Irish citizens.
The party’s three current members are Mr Fitzmaurice as well as the two founders of the party, Cork South West TD and party leader Michael Collins, as well as Limerick County TD and general secretary Richard O’Donoghue.
According to the website of the newly founded party, “Our goal is to deliver real change for the people of Ireland. We are a party that puts our people first. By delivering on a program of reform and common sense solutions, together, we can build a better future for everyone.”
They have listed on their website their views on multiple different areas that they plan to work on, including housing, cost of living, and immigration. They also have statements regarding agriculture, health, and the environment.
They state that their party will take a ‘no-nonsense’ approach to politics and will not operate a strict party whip system, allowing their candidates to speak freely about issues.
Also, in their mission statement, they list their interest in reforming the ‘overcetralised and bureaucratic decision-making processes’ that are currently in place.
Their website doesn’t mention their political leanings or which side of the aisle they stand on.
In December 2023, Mr Collins took part online at a conference of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) political group, which is a centre-right political group of the European Parliament.