Regional Independents have 'constructive engagement' with party leaders

Denis Naughten, convenor of the regional group of independents.

A group of independents in which local TD Denis Naughten has a leading role said it has had "constructive engagement with the leaders of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party" yesterday in Government Buildings on the Programme for Government and the implementation of measures to support our regions.

In a statement last evening, the he eight Independent TDs in the Regional Group said that the three party leaders updated the eight TDs on the progress to date on Programme for Government negotiations and the ratification process.

The statement said all sides agreed the country is now in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, facing into challenging economic times with significant threats to jobs as well as the ongoing challenges of housing, agriculture and health.

"The public needs leadership that can only be provided by a stable government with a clear mandate and this needs to happen quickly," the statement continued.

The Regional Independent TDs made it clear they are available to engage further with the three parties to bring about a stable government and an economic programme that will secure a strong future for our country, its regions and rural Ireland.

The Regional Independents are: Cathal Berry TD, Sean Canney TD, Peter Fitzpatrick TD, Noel Grealish TD, Michael Lowry TD, Verona Murphy TD, Denis Naughten TD (convener), Matt Shanahan TD .