Taoiseach's resignation shows that coalition 'lacks the vitality required to effectively lead,' says Tipperary TD

The unexpected announcement of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's resignation, following the government's significant defeats in recent referenda, underscores the waning stability of the current coalition, say the Rural Independent Group of TDs.

"It is evident that this coalition, now rendered stale, lacks the vitality required to effectively lead. Consequently, we will contest the next election whenever it is called by robustly opposing the policies of this coalition, which are unlikely to change irrespective of who is Taoiseach.

Speaking from Leinster House today, the leader of the Rural Independent Group, Tipperary Deputy Mattie McGrath stated:

“On a personal note, we extend our sincere well wishes to Leo Varadkar for his future endeavours. While our policy stances may not always align, we offer him our genuine goodwill for the path ahead.

“However, after fourteen years of Fine Gael governance, Ireland's housing crisis has only intensified, marked by soaring house prices, escalating homelessness and unattainable affordability. Concurrently, the government has pursued an agenda primarily focused on woke and green policies, neglecting critical issues affecting citizens' daily lives. The persistence of this agenda underscores the government's profound detachment from reality.

“It is imperative to refocus on delivering essential public services, addressing the GP crisis, expanding hospital capacity, reducing healthcare waitlists, alleviating regulatory burdens for farmers, reassessing environmental policies, bolstering housing construction and strengthening border controls.

“The notion of a closed-door selection process within Fine Gael, orchestrated by Fianna Fáil and the Greens in the Dáil, to appoint a new Taoiseach lacks credibility. The recent referendum outcome, where the government could only secure 13 percent of the electorate's support, underscores the loss of public confidence in this administration. The time for change is now,” concluded Deputy McGrath.