Michael Fitzmaurice joins new Independent Ireland political party

Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway, Michael Fitzmaurice, has admitted he was planning to "set up a party or leave politics" as he announced today (Monday) that he has jointed the new political party, Independent Ireland.

The fledgling political party was set up by Independent TDs Michael Collins (Cork South West) and Richard O’Donoghue (Limerick County), late last year and promises to place a renewed focus on rural Ireland.

Fitzmaurice, who has been very vocal on rural and agricultural issues, said he had spent the last 12 months “weighing up the landscape” and was planning to either set up his own party or quit 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,” he said today.

“Too often independents and new parties fragment into increasingly narrow camps when what is needed is unity, dialogue and occasionally compromise“I didn't want to see that happen here. I believe it is better for voters to have a clear, unambiguous choice at election time. I believe that Independent Ireland can be that choice,” he added.

Deputy Fitzmaurice said Independent Ireland will be contesting the upcoming local elections with “detailed election manifesto” and promised that the new party will be a party of “common sense solution for this and future generations” and already has a team of “great people doing great work right across the county.”

“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” pledged Michael Fitzmaurice, who added that “a nation, a society, is not one thing or another but a melting pot of diversity” and politics “should not be used as a tool to divide people.”

Leader of Independent Ireland, Michael Collins TD welcomed Michael Fitzmaurice into the new party, and said his “integrity and knowledge, combined with his experience in national politics makes him a fantastic addition to the Independent Ireland party.”

General Secretary of the new party, Richard O'Donoghue, said the “dedication, drive and determination” of Michael Fitzmaurice “come second only to his common sense approach to policy and priorities” and he will be a great addition to Independent Ireland as they strive to build a party “not just for the next election but for future generations.”