Lowry pledges support for Harris and addresses Dáil
'More to be gained for my constituents by working with government' Deputy Lowry said
Tipperary Independent TD, Deputy Michael Lowry addressed the Dáil this morning ahead of pledging his support to new Taoiseach, Simon Harris.
Simon Harris was elected as the country's new Taoiseach after lunchtime today, making him the youngest leader of the Government in the history of the State.
TDs voted 88 to 69 in support of Mr Harris, who met President Michael D. Higgins in Áras an Uachtaráin to confirm his appointment. The Wicklow TD’s wife Caoimhe and young children Saoirse and Cillian were in the public gallery of the Dáil for the start of Tuesday’s proceedings, as were his parents, grandmother and brother and sister.
During the nomination proceedings, Opposition TDs repeatedly called for an immediate general election, as they criticised the nomination of a new Taoiseach without first going to the electorate.
Tipperary TD Michael Lowry addressed the Dáil during the nomination process and said his constituents are better served if he works with government.
"Adversarial debate is healthy, but I don’t believe in slamming doors on the possibility of progress and the public good for the sake of maintaining a facade. Slamming a door leaves both sides isolated.
"I believe that there is more to be gained for my constituents by working with Government Ministers of whatever persuasion and their Departments to achieve social justice and reward for work and enterprise That has been my consistent approach. I will be supporting the nomination of Minister Simon Harris for Taoiseach’ said Deputy Michael Lowry in an address to the Dail on the nomination of Simon Harris as Taoiseach.
"I could join the sound-byte populist chorus of negativity. I could contend that everything in the country is a disaster and demand an immediate General Election. That might make better headlines, but that is not my style of politics.
"There is no denying that we have serious problems in housing, health, disabilities, family carers, agriculture and businesses. There are many issues requiring very urgent attention. I don’t see how any of these problems will be solved by being put in cold storage for up to 10 months while we fight a General Election and form a new government.
"I believe that politics is practical. It is about working together to improve the reality of everyday lives, about action and delivery, not empty outrage. I do not believe that being an Independent Deputy means sitting on your hands, sniping, criticising and howling at the moon and achieving nothing.
"I am here to work for the small business owners who are struggling with spiraling costs. These are the risk-takers and entrepreneurs who contribute so much to wealth creation, to funding our social welfare system, to giving local employment. They need immediate tangible support.
"I am here to work for farmers who are – literally – bogged down not only with the weather, but by debt, bureaucracy, and the challenge of change. These are the people who put food on our tables, support our economy, underpin our way of life. They don’t need lip-service, they need real solutions to their problems and urgent practical assistance.
"Lack of housing is the scourge of our time. Irrespective of who is in Government it will take several more years to catch up on supply due to failures of the past.
"We can’t build houses for our people without a skilled workforce. The apprenticeship scheme implemented by Minister Harris is a real positive. The ETB Training Centre in Thurles is a model of excellence that should be further expanded and replicated across the country.
"The chaos in our national broadcaster must be brought under control. A new funding system is urgently required to incorporate those in the sector who are presently excluded. Local broadcasters are the first source of information and discourse for rural Ireland. They should have a trusted place in the national debate. They must be acknowledged, respected, and financially supported.
"As Taoiseach Elect you have a short time to put your stamp on Government. It is a daunting task. I wish you well and hope you can fulfil your ambition" he concluded.