Michael Fitzmaurice TD joins Independent Ireland party

Fitzmaurice joins Independent Ireland: “It's time to build a new party that is the natural home for the majority of  people and politicians and will be a refuge for respectful dialogue, effective action and unyielding common sense for generations to come” 

Today, Michael Fitzmaurice, TD for Roscommon-Galway, announced that he is joining the newly formed 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), in late 2023. 

Fitzmaurice, a bulwark with respect to 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 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. 

“We are the party of common sense solutions for this and future generations. But it takes good people, willing to take a leap of faith, leave the cosy ranks of the independent benches or establishment parties and commit to doing the hard work of building something new, with a practical approach to public policy and a willingness to enter government without compromising their fundamental principle. 

“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. 

“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.

Press statement from Michael Collins and Richard O’Donoghue, founders of Independent Ireland, on the decision of Michael Fitzmaurice TD to join Independent Ireland

Leader of Independent Ireland, Michael Collins TD had this to say about the announcement: “We are delighted that Michael Fitzmaurice has been willing to take the leap of faith and commit to building our new party with us.

“Michael’s integrity and knowledge, combined with his experience in national politics makes him a fantastic addition to the Independent Ireland party.

General Secretary of Independent Ireland, Richard O’Donoghue TD detailed the aspirations of Independent Ireland: “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.

Welcoming Deputy Fitzmaurice to Independent Ireland, O’Donoghue said: “When it comes to building a party rooted in common sense with the goal of improving the lives of the people of Ireland, I don't think we could have looked for a better partner than Michael Fitz.

“His dedication, drive and determination come second only to his common sense approach to policy and priorities.

“We have a lot 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 but it is a job that we are happy to take on, and we are confident we can deliver for the people of Ireland.

Concluding his remarks on the 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, its people, its resources and its future.

“It is our sincere hope that when we publish our various policy papers and manifestos 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 are under no illusions that we face a hard road ahead, but myself, Deputy O'Donoghue and Deputy Fitzmaurice are no strangers to hard graft and we are confident that 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.