Aontú TDs Peadar Tóibín and Paul Lawless have left the Regional Independent Technical Group headed by TD Michael Lowry, in order to join the Independent Technical Group, amid an escalation in the row over speaking rights in the new Dáil.
Dáil rules around speaking rights have sparked contentious debate, becoming the first major political row of the new Dáil. The Dáil was dissolved today just hours after it started back after Christmas, amid chaotic scenes when it failed to nominate a Taoiseach. The nomination process had been due to take place, but was delayed due to the row over speaking time for Independent TDs supporting the incoming government.
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín confirmed today that his party has resigned from the Regional Independents Technical Group, which includes government-supporting TDs, deciding instead to join the Independent Technical grouping, which includes Independent Ireland TDs and Paul Gogarty.
The Independent Technical Group will now include four Independent Ireland TDs, Independent TD Paul Gogarty, and Deputy Tóibín, along with his Aontú colleague Paul Lawless.
“That is the Independent Technical Group made up of Independent Ireland and Paul Gogarty and we have been speaking with them over the past 24 hours and thankfully they’ve allowed us to join their group,” the Aontú leader said.
“We’re resigning from one and we have a new home in which we will be able to represent our constituents,” he added.
Mr Tóibín said the opportunity to join a “new home” only presented itself at midday today. He said it came after a number of political parties had criticised his party, and had “asked us to walk away” from the Regional Independents.
“The decision was made today, it was a live discussion. We were offered for the first time today, around midday, the opportunity to join an alternative group,” he said.
“A number of political parties have been critical of Aontú in terms of this and have asked us to walk away from the Regional Technical Group.
“It has developed over the past 24 hours that an opportunity for Aontú to keep speaking rights and still participate in the Dáil in another technical group.”
The decision to leave the grouping means that the Regional Independents have been reduced to six members. The group, led by Michael Lowry, includes Barry Henegan, Gillian Toole, Danny Healy-Rae, Michael Healy-Rae, Carol Nolan, and late addition, Mattie McGrath.
Speaking on Tipp FM today, Deputy McGrath said he was left with “no option” but to join the grouping to gain speaking rights. Deputy McGrath said the departure of the Healy-Rae brothers and Michael Collins among others meant the end of the Rural Independents, which he led, leaving him with no option but to join another technical group.
It is not clear whether other TDs will now depart the grouping.
It came as the Dáil failed to nominate a Taoiseach and a new government on its first day back amid the ongoing row over Independents, which Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin described as “the subversion of the Irish constitution.”
Mr Martin had been due to be nominated for the position, but the process was delayed throughout the day after a row erupted over Dáil speaking time for Independent TDs who are supporting the new government.
He said it was a “premeditated” and “coordinated” effort by the opposition, particularly by Sinn Féin.
“This is the first time, I think, in over 100 years that the Dáil has failed to elect a Government to fulfil its constitutional obligation…” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Tóibín, in a statement shared by the Regional Independents, called for reform of the Standing Orders was needed to ensure all TDs are given equal speaking time without the need to form technical groups.
“From the outset, we have firmly maintained that it is a fundamental democratic right for all TDs to possess speaking rights. This principle is paramount for Aontú, and we will not waver in our commitment to uphold it,” the Meath TD said.
“No TD in this chamber would willingly relinquish their speaking rights for an extended period, nor would any representative deliberately disenfranchise the constituents they serve. We will continue to advocate for significant reform of the Standing Orders to ensure that every TD has adequate speaking time and representation in the future.”
Meanwhile, Mr Tóibín told RTE News that a “significant reform” of the Standing Orders Meanwhile, Independent Ireland said in an announcement that the Independent Technical group was “excited” to announce “that Aontú has officially joined its ranks following a collaborative agreement reached today.”
“This strategic partnership aims to resolve ongoing speaking impasses within the group and enhance its effectiveness in representing their constituents,” the party said.
“The Independent Technical Group will operate strictly as a technical assembly, emphasising its role as a platform for discussion and expertise rather than a political alliance or joint political platform.”
The party said that under the new framework, speaking time and rights will be allocated “equally and on a pro rata basis to all members of the group, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.”
“The inclusion of Aontú strengthens our collective voice and enhances our potential to address pressing issues facing our nation.”
Michael Collins, the leader of Independent Ireland and spokesperson for the Independent Technical Group, said it was a “significant moment.”
“Today marks a significant moment in our pursuit of a more inclusive and representative political environment. The inclusion of Aontú, along with its esteemed members Peadar Tóibín and Paul Lawless, enriches our group and aligns perfectly with our commitment to independence, accountability, and effective governance. Their dedication to the communities they serve and their experience in addressing the pressing issues facing our nation will be invaluable as we work together to resolve these issues.”
“Together, we aim to harness our collective expertise and insights to drive meaningful change.”