Independent Ireland

A historic day for Ireland. This fight is far from over. Thank you to everyone who stood shoulder to shoulder in Athlone and stood up for our farmers, stood up for our agriculture industry, stood up for rural Ireland, for all of Ireland. #NoToMercosur @ciaranmullooly @RichardODonoghu @kenoflynnTD @MichaelC_IND_TD @MichaelFitzTD

Fine Gael are now a centre left party @MichaelC_IND_TD @RichardODonoghu @kenoflynnTD @ciaranmullooly

The FG Ard Fheis spent more time talking about Independent Ireland and pretending to be a centre right party "They should focus on the people coming to Ireland getting free medical cards and benefits" @MichaelC_IND_TD @ciaranmullooly @kenoflynnTD

This week: Soc Dems and the rest of the left join Independents in Govt to support FF/FG bill that will destroy rural tourism. A State that punishes the truth, The Drew Harris effect on An Garda Siochana and the EU continues to punish smaller operators in the Ag Sector. Join Us: independentireland.ie/join @MichaelC_IND_TD @RichardODonoghu @kenoflynnTD

“Instead of welcoming a proper examination of where public money is going, we have politicians on the extreme left rushing to defend the NGO sector at all costs. That in itself says a lot. Collins: “If Simon Harris had listened to us three years ago, taxpayers could have been hundreds of millions of euro better off” Independent Ireland leader says Government must explain why its proposal for independent audits of NGOs was rejected as TD's on the far left rush to defend the sector Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins TD has welcomed Simon Harris’s call for greater scrutiny of public funding provided to non-governmental organisations (NGOs), saying that if the Tánaiste and his Government had listened to Independent Ireland three years ago, taxpayers could potentially have been spared hundreds of millions of euro in expenditure that has never been properly scrutinised. Deputy Collins said it was remarkable that the very proposal Independent Ireland had put forward to introduce proper audits, transparency and accountability across the NGO sector had been voted down, only for senior Government figures to now acknowledge that the system needs closer examination. “I'm glad Simon Harris has finally woken up to what we have been saying for years. But where was he three years ago when we were demanding proper audits and accountability for organisations receiving millions of euro in taxpayers' money? “Our proposal was dismissed and voted down in a Private Members Bill. Had the Government acted then, we could have saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of euro by identifying waste, duplication, unnecessary expenditure and organisations that were not delivering value for money. “Every euro of public money must be accounted for. It is not the property of Government ministers, political interests or organisations with access to the corridors of power. It belongs to the taxpayer.” Deputy Collins said the reaction from Labour leader Ivana Bacik, who has written to Mr Harris demanding that he withdraw his comments, demonstrates precisely why the issue of political influence and accountability within the NGO sector must be examined. Ms Bacik described the Tánaiste's remarks as sending a “chilling message to the sector” and accused him of “grossly mischaracterising” the role of NGOs. Deputy Ruth Coppinger also raised concerns at a recent press briefing. Deputy Collins said: “Instead of welcoming a proper examination of where public money is going, we have politicians on the extreme left rushing to defend the NGO sector at all costs. “Why are they so uncomfortable with the idea of independent audits? Why should any organisation receiving substantial sums of public money be exempt from proper scrutiny? That in itself says a lot. “Many NGOs do valuable work and provide essential services. Nobody is disputing that. But we must be honest about the fact that some organisations are also heavily involved in political advocacy, campaigning and attempts to influence public policy. “When organisations are receiving public funding while simultaneously engaging in political campaigning, taxpayers are entitled to ask legitimate questions about their activities, their political independence and whether public money is being used for the purposes for which it was granted. “The increasingly defensive reaction from certain political quarters only reinforces the need for transparency. It does not prove wrongdoing, but it certainly makes the case for independent scrutiny even stronger. “We cannot have a situation where organisations can receive substantial sums from the public purse while politicians who defend them appear more concerned about protecting their independence than protecting the taxpayer's money.” Deputy Collins said Ireland needed a comprehensive, independently audited system covering all organisations receiving significant State funding, with full disclosure of funding, expenditure, administration costs, salaries and measurable outcomes. He added: “Simon Harris is right to say that the responsibility for value for money does not end when the Government writes the cheque. But that principle should never have been in question. “We need to know exactly where the money goes, what it delivers and whether the taxpayer is getting value for money. “The days of handing out public money and asking questions afterwards must end. “Independent Ireland raised this issue when it was politically inconvenient. We were right then and we are right now. The taxpayer deserves answers, not excuses, and certainly not a political lecture from those who want to defend the existing system rather than reform it.” @MichaelC_IND_TD @RichardODonoghu @kenoflynnTD

FF, FG, SF, SOC DEMS A number of independents, labour and PBP all locked arms tonight to undermine rural tourism. Many said one thing but voted another. Shame on them. It is particularly disappointing given that so many of these parties once claimed to stand up for rural communities. Tonight, their actions showed otherwise. they no longer represent the interests of rural people. @MichaelC_IND_TD

Social Democrats and PBP support the Govt bill to destroy rural tourism - "These people are living in a bubble" @MichaelC_IND_TD

"You have sold us out Minister" @MichaelC_IND_TD

Richard O'Donoghue TD "Drew Harris Destroyed An Garda Siochana." @RichardODonoghu

"The Taoiseach Misled me on Short Term Lets" @MichaelC_IND_TD

Woke Madness Ireland: Former President Mary McAleese has suggested that baptism without consent infringes on a baby's human rights. Ken O'Flynn T.D. says "Would you ever get a life" @kenoflynnTD

The over 87% of respondents to our recent poll said they would not vote for the Independents in Government following their vote to remove the triple lock. Party Leader Michael Collins TD Speaking this evening on what makes Independent Ireland Different on the Gavan Reilly show on VMTV. @MichaelC_IND_TD

Culture Wars? Independent Ireland will never support bills for non binary newborn's and ads urging grandparents to seek consent to hug their grandchildren @MichaelC_IND_TD on Monday with Gavan Reilly this evening

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ciara Mageean. A European 1500m champion, two-time Olympian and a wonderful ambassador for Irish sport, Ciara brought immense pride to Ireland through her achievements on the track. Her loss will be felt deeply throughout the sporting community and by all who followed her remarkable journey. On behalf of everyone at Independent Ireland, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Ciara’s family, her husband, friends, teammates and all who loved her. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.

What issue concerns you most at present? Record homelessness, the crushing cost of living crisis, the inability to afford a home, crime, our young people being forced to emigrate, the failure of our immigration system, Govt Waste OR.... "The Manosphere"?

Collins condemns latest motorway toll increases: “Enough is enough – motorists cannot be treated as an endless source of revenue” Independent Ireland Leader Michael Collins TD has criticised the latest increases in motorway toll charges, warning that motorists, commuters and businesses are being asked to shoulder yet another financial burden at a time when household budgets are already under severe pressure. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has confirmed that toll increases will come into effect from 1 January 2027, affecting the M50, Dublin Port Tunnel and a number of other major routes across the country. M50 motorists paying through a tag or video account will face an additional 10 cent per journey, while those without an account will pay an extra 20 cent. Car tolls on most PPP-operated roads will also increase by 10 cent, while the southbound morning peak charge at the Dublin Port Tunnel will rise by €1. Deputy Collins said: “People are being squeezed from every direction. Fuel, insurance, energy, groceries and the everyday cost of running a car have all become major pressures for ordinary families. Now we are being told that motorists must pay even more just to use the roads they depend on every day. “We have to ask how many times over these roads are expected to be paid for. Motorists have contributed billions through toll charges over the years. TII's own figures show that toll booths generated almost half a billion euro in revenue in 2025 alone. “Where is the accountability? Where is the transparency around the money being collected and how it is being used? People deserve clear answers, not another annual announcement telling them that the cost of getting to work, bringing children to school or delivering goods is going up again. “There is an obsession with taxing people in this country. Every time somebody gets into their car, fills the tank or travels to work, another charge seems to be waiting for them. “Hauliers and small businesses cannot simply absorb these increases. They will ultimately feed into the cost of transporting goods and services, and ordinary households will feel the consequences. “People are struggling enough. Enough is enough. Motorists cannot continue to be treated as an endless source of revenue.” Deputy Collins called for greater transparency around toll revenues, the costs associated with operating and maintaining the national road network, and the financial arrangements underpinning public-private partnership toll roads. @MichaelC_IND_TD

"For years Brussels told Poland that the independence of its courts could not be compromised. The test now is whether that standard holds when the government in Warsaw is one the Commission is comfortable with." Statement by Ken O'Flynn TD, Independent Ireland Spokesperson on Urban Affairs and Foreign Affairs, on the crisis at Poland's Constitutional Tribunal What is happening in Warsaw tonight should concern every democrat in Europe, whatever their view of Polish politics. This evening a notice appeared on the website of Poland's Constitutional Tribunal claiming to suspend its President and Vice President for one month. The order was issued by a judge elected by the government majority in March, whose oath the President of Poland has never received. Police have entered the Tribunal grounds. The Tribunal's leadership says the move is unlawful, and President Nawrocki has turned back from an official trip to return to Warsaw. Let me be clear about one thing. Poland is a democracy. Its people chose a new government in 2023 and a new President in 2025, and power was transferred peacefully both times. That is precisely why this matters. Poland stands on Europe's eastern frontier, at a time when democracy in that part of the world is under real pressure. A strong, united Poland is good for all of Europe, Ireland included. Division in Warsaw only helps those who would like to see democracy fail. I make no case for any one party in Poland. That court has been fought over by successive governments, and the way it was handled in the past was rightly questioned. But you do not repair a damaged process by damaging it again. Whatever view you take on who should sit on that court, it cannot be settled by an order posted online. I believe in democracy, and I believe it has to work the same way for everyone. Disputes like this must be resolved through the courts, through negotiation, and ultimately at the ballot box. Not by force, and not by any group seizing control of an institution outside the constitution. Poland goes to the polls next year. That is where this argument belongs. I also want to be clear that violence has no place here, from any side. Anyone who goes to Warsaw to protest has every right to do so, and I would urge them to do it peacefully. Equally, the authorities must show restraint. Nobody should be hurt over this. For years Brussels told Poland that the independence of its courts could not be compromised. The test now is whether that standard holds when the government in Warsaw is one the Commission is comfortable with. Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. I am calling on the Government to make clear that the rule of law means the same thing no matter who is in power, and that respecting constitutional procedure is never optional. My thoughts tonight are with the people of Poland. Ireland and Poland share a long friendship, and many Polish families have made their homes here among us. It is my hope that democracy will flourish in every part of Europe, east and west, and that Poland comes through this stronger. A constitution is only as strong as the willingness of those in power to respect it, even when its rules stand in the way of what they want. @kenoflynnTD

FINALLY! A DAY WE HAVE FOUGHT SO HARD FOR! After months of relentless campaigning, this morning Emma finally received her Skyclarys medication! What an emotional and incredible day for Emma, her family and everyone who stood alongside patients living with Friedreich’s ataxia. Party Leader Michael Collins paid a very special tribute to Emma. This young woman has shown extraordinary courage, strength and determination. It takes incredible bravery to put yourself out there publicly, to share your personal struggles on social media and to become one of the faces of a national campaign. Emma never gave up, and neither did her family. They deserve enormous credit for everything they have done, not just for Emma, but for every patient fighting this terrible disease. A massive thank you to the people of West Cork and indeed people right across Ireland who stood shoulder to shoulder with these patients and their families. Your voices made a difference! Days like today make politics worthwhile. This is what it’s all about — fighting for people, standing up for what is right and making a real difference in people’s lives. Emma, we are all so incredibly proud of you! SKYCLARYS AT LAST! @MichaelC_IND_TD @RichardODonoghu @kenoflynnTD @ciaranmullooly