Charles Ward in negotiations to maximise 100% Redress Dáil speaking time
Newly-elected Donegal TD says he is willing to work with anyone who can help deliver 100% redress
100% Redress Party TD Charles Ward says he is in negotiations about maximising his speaking time in the Dáil and that the party is “willing to work with people who can help deliver 100% redress”.
The newly-elected TD said he hopes the other Donegal TDs “will reach out” to the party as it plans its approach to having a presence in the Dáil “but so far we have not had any communication”.
The Drumkeen-based TD said he has had negotiations with groupings, but nothing has been agreed,” he said.
“It is a very delicate process but I am negotiating my speaking time. It is vital that I get that opportunity.
“My mandate is to help the people of Donegal and it is also to get 100% redress for the people of Donegal. The work I need to do is on the ground in Donegal and I have to carry the message up to Dublin.”
Work is underway to open a constituency office in the new year, he said, adding that the damage caused to defective concrete blocks homes affected by Storm Darragh at the weekend highlighted the plight of homeowners.
“There are people in real need, real humanitarian need, that are being ignored,” he said.
Mr Ward was speaking on Wednesday as negotiating teams from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael began formal discussions on the formation of a coalition government.
Eight Independent TDs have formed the Regional Independent Group which includes Sligo-Leitrim Independent TD Marian Harkin.
Preliminary discussions have been held between the technical group and the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael party leaders, who have also held talks with the Labour Party as prospective coalition partners.
Meanwhile, newly-elected Fianna Fail TD Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher has said he has not heard anything about the possibility of him taking the role of Ceann Comhairle in the 34th Dáil after speculation linking him with the role. He held the role of leas-cheann comhairle in the 32nd Dáil.
Outgoing Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Feargháil is said to be considering seeking a third term in the position.
“My first role is a TD for Donegal and that’s what I am concentrating on,” Mr Gallagher, who regained the seat he lost in 2020, said.
On the talks to form a government, he said the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party does not expect to hear an update until the weekend.