Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will be supporting the nomination of Simon Harris as Taoiseach. I could join in the sound bite populist chorus of negativity. I could contend that everything in the country is a disaster and demand a general election. That might make better headlines but that is not my style of politics. There is no denying we have serious problems in housing, in health, particularly at University Hospital Limerick, in the disability sector and for family carers, agriculture and small businesses. Many issues require urgent attention. I do not see how any of these problems will be solved by putting them in cold storage for up to ten months while we fight a general election and form a new Government. I believe politics is practical. It is about working together to improve the reality of everyday lives, about action and delivery rather than empty outrage.

Unlike some, I do not believe that being an Independent Deputy means sitting on your hands, sniping, criticising, howling at the moon and achieving nothing. Adversarial debate is healthy, but I do not believe in slamming doors on the possibility of progress and the public good for the sake of maintaining a facade. Slamming a door leaves both sides isolated. I believe there is more to be gained for my constituents by working with Government Ministers of whatever persuasion and their Departments to achieve social justice and reward for work and enterprise. That has been my consistent approach.

I am here to work for the small business owners who are struggling with spiralling costs. These are the risk takers and entrepreneurs who contribute so much to wealth creation, funding our social welfare system and giving local employment. They need immediate tangible support. I am here to work for farmers who are bogged down not only by the weather, but also by debt, bureaucracy and the challenge of change. These are the people who put food on our tables, support our economy and underpin our way of life. They do not need lip service. They need real solutions to their problems and urgent practical assistance. Lack of housing is the scourge of our time, and irrespective of who is in government it will take several more years to catch up on supply due to the failures of the past. We cannot build houses for our people without a skilled workforce. The apprenticeship scheme implemented by the Minister, Deputy Harris, is a real positive. The ETB training centre in Thurles is a model of excellence that should be expanded and replicated right across the country. The chaos in our national broadcaster must be brought under control. A new funding system is urgently required and should incorporate those in the sector who are presently excluded. Local broadcasters are the first source of information and discourse for rural Ireland. They should have a trusted place in national debate. They must be acknowledged, respected and financially supported. As Taoiseach-elect, you have a short time to put your stamp on the Government. It is a daunting task. I wish you well, and hope you can fulfil your ambition.

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