Entering Government 'the only way to get things done': Boxer
Athlone TD Kevin 'Boxer' Moran has confirmed his interest in going into Government as part of the Regional Independent Group, which is set to intensify its negotiations with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael from January 6.
One of the more well-known quotes uttered by 'Boxer' in previous years is that "a day in Government is better than 1,000 days in opposition."
Speaking to the Westmeath Independent last week, he indicated that this was still his view. "I've always said I would go into Government if the opportunity presented itself," he stated.
'Boxer' is part of the regional group which saw its chances of joining the next Government boosted when Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael supported the nomination of one of its members, Verona Murphy, for the role of Ceann Comhairle.
"Verona Murphy has been elected to the Ceann Comhairle job, and now the real discussions are going to take place," said the Athlone TD.
"We've been framing a (policy) document (as the Regional Independent Group), and I've been putting together a number of things relating to Longford-Westmeath that are national issues but issues that still need to be dealt with in housing, health, and other projects I want to see over the line.
"I've spoken with the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, and had very positive talks with him, and I'll be speaking to Micheál Martin in the not-too-distant future."
He cautioned that there was still plenty of discussion needed before a Government deal was finalised.
"I know people are frustrated and asking why does it take so long... One thing I will say is that, if we go into Government, it will be a stable and a strong Government that will stick the path of going the whole five years.
"I know there are people who will be against me going into Government. There's an element who will say, 'oh, he'll jump into bed with the first one just to get power'. But that's not what it's about.
"I'm a long time on the road and I know that the only way you get things done is inside in the corridors of power. And that's what I intend to do if I get the opportunity."
'Boxer' was a Minister of State from 2017 until 2020. He said he would be "delighted" if he got a Ministerial role again, but admitted his years out of the Dáil could well count against him in that regard.
"I've been out of politics for four and a half years, and I have to give seniority to people who have been there a lot longer than me. It will be about working together," he said.
He pointed out that fellow Independents like Sean Canney and Noel Grealish had longer Dáil service.
"If the opportunity comes to get one or two of them elected (as a Minister), I'll be quite happy that we have someone we can go to within our own group," he said.
The Regional Independent Group has nine TDs: Michael Lowry, Noel Grealish, 'Boxer' Moran, Seán Canney, Marian Harkin, Verona Murphy, Carol Nolan, Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole.