Tuam TD leaves Independent Alliance

INDEPENDENT Galway East Deputy Sean Canney has confirmed this morning that he is leaving the Independent Alliance.

The announcement follows speculation over the past week following a row over the OPW portfolio.
He says however, he will continue to support the Government on issues of “confidence and budgetary matters”.
“I have taken time to consider all my options and I thank you all for your patience. I was elected by the people of Galway East as an Independent to represent their interests. Since my election I have done that to the best of my ability. I will continue to put the people first, they are my priority.
“The Programme for Government was developed to ensure that we deliver a better, fairer society for all our citizens. As an Independent TD serving Galway East, I look forward to the task of delivering this programme for the benefit of Galway East and the region,” stated Deputy Canney
Current OPW Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran was due to hand back the ministry to Deputy Canney this month after the men tossed a coin to decide how the portfolio would rotate during the lifetime of the government.
However, the Longford-Westmeath TD has refused to hand back the portfolio and has been supported by Independent Alliance colleagues.
The departure of Deputy Canney means there are now four Dáil members in the Alliance, Shane Ross, Finian McGrath, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran and John Halligan.
Deputy Canney says: “I want to thank all who have contacted me over the last number of weeks offering their support. I want again to emphasise that it is business as usual for me as I continue to serve the constituents of Galway East as an Independent TD.”