Laois TDs would serve as Ministers when Government forms if picked

Outgoing Minister of State Séan Fleming says he has the 'ability, experience and drive' to serve as a minister in the new Government but he has had no indication whether he will be reappointed or not.

The re-elected Laois TD Séan Fleming or new Fine Gael TD Willie Aird confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live that they would be willing to serve if appointed.

Dep Fleming was a junior minister in the Departments of Finance and Foreign Affairs in the last Government. He was appointed by Micheál Martin in a ministerial reshuffle after Barry Cowen was sacked as agriculture minister in 2020. It was the TD's first ministerial role since he was elected in 1997.

The Castletown-based TD confirmed his interest in serving once again after serving five years in two departments.

"Absolutely. I have the experience, ability and drive to it," he told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

While the identities of independents getting ministerial posts have emerged, Dep Fleming insisted that he does not indicate as to who will serve as senior or junior ministers. He said this may not be known until "hours" beforehand.

New Laois Fine Gael TD Willie Aird told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that he would be happy to serve in a ministerial capacity. However, the Fine Gael poll-topper said has received no indications that he was being considered for a role. 

Micheál Martin will name Cabinet Ministers on Wednesday when the new Government is expected to be formed. A record number of 23 junior ministers are likely to be appointed on Thursday. The Taoiseach will agree on the ministerial teams in consultation with the Fine Gael leader Simon Harris. MORE BELOW PICTRURE.

Dáil meeting. Pic: Maxwell's

The TD said it was important for Laois and Midland counties to be represented at the Ministerial level. He said he could also provide representation for parts of Tipperary.

Meanwhile, both TDs commented on what the programme for the Government might deliver for Laois.

Dep Fleming said it was very clear that a policy called 'Securing Ireland's future' specifically does not include a list of projects. 

"It is not a project programme. That will emerge from the National Development Plan, the public spending estimates and capital budgets from Departments," he said.

The Fianna Fáil TD said several big Laois projects have already been listed for development including new secondary schools for Portlaoise and Portarlington.

As to his own view, he said money needs to be allocated to staff the extension to St Vincent's Hospital in Portlaoise. 

"The staffing issue hasn't been dealt with so that is a major priority," he said.

Dep Fleming agreed that road projects need to be advanced such as the Northern Orbital Route in Portlaoise and an N80 bypass for Mountmellick. He added that flood defences in Mountmellick will come first and must be factored into any road plan.

"One project cannot compromise the other," he said.

Dep Aird agreed that there were no individual commitments for Laois in the Government programme and the National Development Plan would offer the opportunity for local projects to be advanced.

The Fine Gael TD said a new Portlaoise courthouse is a priority for him and he wants it delivered as soon as possible. He said the courthouse is the subject of one of his first questions he is posing in the Dáil.

He insisted that Fine Gael TDs would not lose out to the independent TDs when it comes to including projects in the National Development Plan.