Ireland’s political landscape is in turmoil as opposition parties threaten to disrupt parliament indefinitely over the government’s contentious arrangement with a group of pro-government independent lawmakers, Politico reports.
The dispute centers on whether these independents, known as the Regional Independent Group (RIG), can effectively sit on both sides of the house—supporting the government while also enjoying the privileges of opposition members.
The crisis stems from the unusual coalition formed last month by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, which includes his Fianna Fáil party, Fine Gael, and nine independent conservatives under the RIG banner. Martin narrowly secured his position as Taoiseach on his second attempt after opposition leaders rejected the government’s initial deal with the RIG.
Of the nine original RIG members, one—Verona Murphy—was appointed as the parliament’s neutral speaker, while four others were given junior ministerial roles, including two with Cabinet-level access. The remaining four were expected to join the government backbenches.
However, led by Michael Lowry, a controversial figure with a history of scandals, these four recruited two anti-government independents to reestablish the RIG’s numbers at six, the minimum required for speaking rights in parliament. This move sparked outrage among opposition parties, who argue that the RIG cannot simultaneously support the government and act as an opposition group.
The dispute has also paralysed the formation of parliamentary committees, which are essential for scrutinising and advancing legislation. Opposition leaders accuse the government of bending the rules to appease the RIG, particularly Lowry, whose past involvement in a corruption tribunal has made him a polarising figure.
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Foreign Minister Simon Harris have dismissed the opposition’s concerns as exaggerated, arguing that the new rules create only 16 minutes of additional speaking time per week, which will be shared among all government backbenchers, not just the RIG.
The rule changes face a critical vote in the full parliament next week. If the government prevails, opposition parties have vowed to escalate their protests, potentially through walkouts, heckling, or other disruptive tactics.
