Independents in Government can influence key policy issues in order to deliver major improvements in public services.
That is according to Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney.
Minister Canney, who has served in three ministries, was central to negotiations for the Programme for Partnership Government in 2016.
He said: “Party manifestos mean very little when negotiations begin and independent TDs can exert a major influence on the way forward.
“For example, in the 2016 negotiations I insisted that a minister should have special responsibility for flood relief.
“As a result, when I became Minister for the Office of Public Works, I was in a position to adjust the criteria for flood relief schemes in order to allow for more works to be carried out.
“This has resulted in a huge increase in schemes nationally, with more than €3.5 million spent on Minor Flood Relief Works for County Galway alone since 2016.
“I also instigated a major flood relief plan for Gort Lowlands which is now nearing the completion of the design stage and I oversaw the investment in flood relief schemes for Dunkellin and Claregalway, which are now at completion stage. I am also actively pursuing the implementation of Portumna’s flood relief scheme.
“To ensure proper management of all flood relief schemes, I initiated and funded the appointment of a Project Manager for Galway County Council to supervise all flooding works.”
“Being at the heart of Government is the only way to bring about change and I believe it is essential that an Independent voice is present to ensure delivery for both Galway East and Rural Ireland.”

For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639
February 3 2020