Fine Gael Criticise Independent TDs As 'Ineffective'

Independent TDs are "ineffective" and lack the "structure, support and certainty" needed to get things done, Fine Gael has said.

The party's TD for Limerick, Patrick O'Donovan, made the comments following the launch of a new political party by three independent TDs, The Social Democrats.

"Independents have long criticised political parties while heralding their ability to stand alone, but now, as a third grouping of Independents comes together, it is clear that they haven't been able to get things done as sole traders," Deputy O'Donovan said.

"A vote for an Independent is a vote for the unknown. In the depths of the financial crisis, Fine Gael proposed a clear policy platform to fix the public finances and get Ireland working again. Over 100,000 jobs later, we are achieving this goal.

"By contrast, Independents by their very nature can't agree on anything, even the most basic policies like tax or health. Whether or not they will be able to agree now, within these new political parties and groupings, is the big question. 

"The last thing that this economy and the Irish people need is instability. 

"I expect these new groupings to provide the people with clear, well thought out and costed policies. I look forward to seeing how they come together, as one, to agree on policies, in a way they have so long criticised."

(MH)