Nolan joins Regional Independents Group

Offaly TD Carol Nolan has confirmed she has joined the Regional Independents Group in the Dáil.

Nolan had been a member of a separate Rural Independents Group in the last Dáil.

The formation of such groups helps to maximise speaking time for members.

In a statement today, Nolan confirmed she had joined the newly constituted Regional Independent Group of TDs.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are currently engaged in talks with smaller parties and independents as part of the process of Government formation.

The group already includes TDs including Michael Lowry, Sean Canney, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, Noel Grealish, Marian Harkin and Verona Murphy amongst others.

Speaking after her nomination to the group was confirmed, Deputy Nolan said that she will work with energetic determination to ensure that the concerns and needs of the people are Offaly are given the most effective platform possible during the lifetime of the 34th Dáil:

“I want to thank my colleagues in the Regional Independent Group for their warm welcome and I want to assure the people of Offaly that I remain as committed as ever to advancing their best interests.”

“My core priorities remain in place, including addressing our housing crisis, urgently improving the emergency situation in special needs education and health, tackling decimated farm incomes and fighting for a robust and fearless policy re-evaluation of our broken and overwhelmed immigration system.”

“I can assure my supporters that while I will work collaboratively and constructively with my Regional colleagues, I will always place the interests of Offaly and our country first. I can also guarantee those who have entrusted me with their votes that my voice will not be tamed by an uncritical allegiance to any party or future Government formation,” concluded Deputy Nolan.

Nolan had been a member of the Rural Independents Group in the last Dáil along with Mattie McGrath and Michael and Danny Healy Rae.