Michael Collins TD has announced that Michael Fitzmaurice, TD for the Roscommon–Galway constituency, has joined fledgling party Independent Ireland. Deputy Collins said today that he was “delighted” that Deputy Fitzmaurice “has been willing to take the leap of faith with us and commit to building our new party with us.”
Deputy Collins, who set up the political party in late 2023 alongside Limerick TD Richard O’Donoghue, added that: “Michael’s integrity and knowledge, combined with his experience in national politics makes him a great addition to our new party.”
General Secretary of Independent Ireland, Richard O’Donoghue TD detailed the aspirations of the new party, which Deputy Fitzmaurice will contest to next election as a member of.
“We set-up Independent Ireland to build a coalition of people and politicians who genuinely want to address the real world issues facing ordinary people across this nation. When it comes to building a party rooted in common sense, I don’t think we could have looked for a better partner than Michael.”
“Fitz’s dedication, drive and determination come second only to his common sense approach to policy and priorities,” he said.
“We have a job of work ahead of ourselves over the coming months and years to build a party not just for the next election but for future generations.”
Concluding his remarks on foot of Deputy Fitzmaurice’s announcement, Independent Ireland Leader, Michael Collins said: “We are and will always be the party of sensible stewardship of our nation, it’s people, it’s resources and its future.
“It is our sincere hope that when we publish our various policy papers and manifestos that more people and politicians will see that what we are building is a real alternative to the establishment parties. Not just another protest party.
“We know how hard the road ahead is but none of the three of us are afraid of hard graft and we are confident anyone who joins our party, as a rank and file member, a candidate or a sitting politician will embody that spirit of hard work, determination and common sense,” the Cork TD said.
Speaking on Monday, Mr Fitzmaurice said he was thrilled to announce he was joining the “innovative and forward-thinking” political party, stating that the movement was “gaining momentum.”
“After 10-years as an Independent TD, it’s time to build a new party that is the natural home for common sense people and politicians and will be a refuge for normal people for generations to come,” Mr Fitzmaurice said.
Fitzmaurice, a bulwark on rural and agricultural issues, said: “I have spent the last 12 months weighing up the landscape. I was going to set-up a party or leave politics.
“Michael and Richard then announced their new party. After extensive negotiations with them, Independent Ireland operatives and consultation with my core team of supporters, I decided that it was best to join forces with Michael and Richard to build something substantial together.
“Too often independents and new parties fragment into narrow camps when what is needed is unity, dialogue and occasionally compromise. I didn’t want to see that happen here. I believe that Independent Ireland can be the party of common sense solution for this and future generations.
“But it takes a leap of faith to leave the cosy ranks of the independent benches and commit to doing the hard work of preparing for government. Be under no illusions, that is our plan. We are going to work day and night to build a party fit for government that will make the tough decisions and do what is right by the people of Ireland.
“Independent Ireland will be contesting upcoming elections with detailed election manifestos. We have great people doing great work right across the country.
“And before people start talking about right and left, and progressive and conservative, understand this: A nation, a society, is not one thing or another but a melting pot of diversity,” he added.
Deputy Fitzmaurice added that “real progress” can only be achieved through “constructive and respectful” dialogue, stating:
“Neither Independent Ireland as a party, nor I as an individual, will accept the premise that politics should be used as a tool to divide people. The things that unite us as a nation are far greater than the things that divide us.”
“Progress, real progress, can only be achieved through constructive and respectful dialogue; not division,” the TD said.