Independent Ireland Leader Michael Collins Says «Ireland is Full» on RTÉ
Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins affirmed on RTÉ that his party believes «Ireland is full,» advocating for prioritizing Irish citizens. The party, which has gained members after supporting fuel protests, draws support from conservative voters concerned with immigration. Despite rejecting the «far right» label, Independent Ireland faces internal challenges and seeks to expand its influence.
Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins stated «Yes indeed» when asked on RTÉ last Sunday if his party believes «Ireland is full,» a slogan used by anti-immigration activists. He added that while Ireland has been «brilliant» at caring for people, it must now prioritize its own citizens. This comment was featured in a video by anti-immigration activist Niall McConnell, which also linked to a petition against a planned mosque in Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
Independent Ireland, which has four TDs, an MEP, and 24 councillors, has seen increased membership, partly attributed to its support for recent fuel price protests. These protests, while politically diverse, share sentiments with the party's rhetoric, including criticism of government waste, climate policies, and immigration. Pollster Kevin Cunningham estimates that 15-20% of voters, primarily conservative, traditionalist, and right-leaning, are concerned with immigration and form a potential «bloc vote» for parties like Independent Ireland.
The party rejects the «far right» label, with TD Michael Fitzmaurice stating they will «speak common sense.» However, their voting base overlaps with right-leaning constituencies. The upcoming Galway West byelection on May 22nd, with candidate Noel Thomas, a former Fianna Fáil councillor, will be a test for the party. Independent Ireland aims for organic growth and recruitment of sitting councillors, despite internal disagreements on candidate selection and recent departures, including co-founder Elaine Mullally.
MEP Ciarán Mullooly, a former RTÉ journalist, recently joined a centrist Renew group in the European Parliament. The party's policies, such as refocusing carbon tax towards aviation, have hindered government formation talks. Independent Ireland TDs have also been noted for combative behavior in the Dáil, with Ken O’Flynn, a Cork North Central TD, submitting nearly 3,000 parliamentary questions last year, using AI tools for formatting. Collins recently distanced himself from comments made by protest spokesman James Geoghegan, and both Collins and Fitzmaurice distanced the party from an upcoming «Fuel Protests – What Next?» event where O’Flynn was scheduled to speak alongside figures described as «far right activists.»