Independent TD for Offaly Carol Nolan has today (Wednesday, December 11) confirmed her membership of the newly constituted independent technical group for the 34th Dáil.
The group announced its formation as discussions continue on the formation of a new government after all 174 seats in the new Dáil were filled.
Deputy Nolan had already been a member of a separate Rural Independents Group in the last Dáil, and will now join eight TDs that have signed up to the new Regional Group so far.
The TDs confirmed include: Sean Canney; Michael Lowry; Noel Grealish; Marian Harkin; Barry Heneghan; Kevin (‘Boxer’) Moran; Verona Murphy and Gillian Toole.
Speaking after her nomination to the group, Deputy Nolan said that she will work with “energetic determination” to ensure that the concerns and needs of the people in Co. Offaly are met.
“I want to thank my colleagues in the Regional Independent Group for their warm welcome and I want to assure the people of Offaly that I remain as committed as ever to advancing their best interests,” Deputy Nolan said.
Carol Nolan
Deputy Nolan said that her “core priorities” remain in place including: Addressing the housing crisis; Improving special needs education and health; Tackling decimated farm incomes; and fighting for a policy re-evaluation of the immigration system.
“I can assure my supporters that while I will work collaboratively and constructively with my regional colleagues, I will always place the interests of Offaly and our country first.
“I can also guarantee those who have entrusted me with their votes that my voice will not be tamed by an uncritical allegiance to any party or future government formation,” Deputy Nolan said.
The TDs in the group have expressed a willingness to enter into discussions with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on supporting a possible new coalition government.