Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Matt Carthy TD has called on all Independent TDs to vote against the proposed anointment of Simon Harris as Taoiseach on the 9th April, saying that ‘this government cannot remain in place without the support of Independent TDs. They should withdraw their support and allow the people to have their say in a General Election.’

Teachta Carthy said:

“This government has been supported in every key vote of this term by Independent TDs. Six Independent TDs supported Leo Varadkar’s nomination as Taoiseach, nine Independent TDs voted for Micheál Martin to become Taoiseach. In each crucial confidence vote on Ministers and government Independent TDs have allowed Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green party to remain in power.

“Independent TDs should vote against the proposed anointment of Simon Harris as Taoiseach on April 9th. Fine Gael have been in power for too long. It’s time for the people to be giving their say. It’s time for a General Election.

“This government is trying to limp on, despite the head of government resigning, and they are proposing to anoint Simon Harris as Taoiseach. It is just more of the same at a time when the people are demanding change.

“Simon Harris didn’t even mention the housing crisis in his first speech as Fine Gael leader, confirming that the housing crisis will continue to worsen every day his party is in government.

“Every TD that supports Fine Gael on the 9th April will be voting for a continued housing crisis, continued crises within health and disability services, and a continued failure to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. I am calling on Independent TDs to back change to back the people and to ensure a General Election.

“It’s time for change and it’s time for a new government.”