Government official Sean Canney steps out from obscurity
In the heart of Ireland's Government Buildings last week, a not-so-quiet power play was unfolding. As the Iran and Israel ceasefire stole the headlines, coalition leaders were busy arranging themselves on the podium, ready to announce a fresh plan to revitalize Dublin's O'Connell Street.
The event was delayed due to a packed Cabinet meeting with an impressive 50 items on the agenda. Was Taoiseach Micheál Martin signaling the end of the "do-nothing Dáil" label? That was certainly the impression left behind, as Minister Seán Canney joined the Taoiseach and Tánaiste on the podium, similar to Eamon Ryan's prominent role in the previous administration.
This newfound visibility for Canney was a response to growing frustration among some Independent ministers and TDs. They felt unfairly represented in the media as a two-party government, and a change was needed.
"We need people to know that there are three, maybe four, parts to this Government," said one minister. Others argue that the neglect went deeper, with some Independent TDs who signed up to the Programme for Government being cut out of the consultative process.
"They know we're serious now," said one Independent TD. The group has also brought in Tom Blade as their Deputy Government Press Secretary this week.
An absolute rule across Government requires these ministers and TDs to receive information simultaneously with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
A Cabinet minister summed up Canney as a "great manager of people and very structured" - qualities that could potentially land him a UN role. With his role comes a complicated structure for the Independents in the Government, with Canney as the de facto leader of the Independent ministers, navigating the varying aims and interests of his colleagues, minus the political party machine.
Described as calm and good-humored, Canney knows what he wants and is considered effective. Some even believe he's quite cunning, a play on his surname. As a former quantity-surveyor and GMIT lecturer, Canney has surprised many with his focus on national issues and impressive work in the Department of Transport, aiming to reduce driving test waiting times to ten weeks by September.
Notably, Canney is understood to have opposed the idea of appointing NAMA boss Brendan McDonagh as the housing czar during a government controversy earlier this year.
"He's very much big picture," said one senior figure in Government Buildings. Tuesdays see Canney attending Cabinet meetings and chairing a meeting of the five Independent ministers. He also boasts a large office in the main corridor of Government Buildings, a luxury not shared by any other junior minister.
Each Wednesday evening, Canney hosts a meeting of the Independent ministers and TDs, a gathering chaired by Michael Lowry. Some ministers express that they don't always attend, preferring to do their own thing. However, most participate in these meetings, despite mixed opinions on whether or not Lowry is becoming more peripheral.
"The 'Lowry Lackeys' jibe hurt a lot, and it's better just to focus on your own work," said one who worked closely with Lowry in Government formation talks. Another Independent TD took a more philosophical approach, "he still has access to Government and still gets things done. You can't dismiss a man with that experience."
Indeed, it was Lowry who chaired a meeting of Independent TDs and ministers when they met with Minister for Housing James Browne on Wednesday afternoon last. There, the minister explained the coming changes to make home-building more viable.
Conflicts are ongoing between Independents and the Department of Public Expenditure over the upcoming review of the National Development Plan (NDP). "It's proving very difficult," said one Independent minister, "but senior ministers from all parties are experiencing the same thing."
With a vow of silence around these discussions, the Taoiseach continues to insist that no agreements or lists have been made with Independent TDs to include projects in their constituencies in the updated NDP. However, one thing is clear - Independents now want a more high-profile role in Government, with Seán Canney at the forefront of this movement.
*Latest politics news*
Independents are demanding a more prominent role in the government, with Seán Canney leading the charge. With his extensive network and negotiation skills, Canney is positioned to play a crucial role in maintaining the balance between the coalition and Independent ministers. His leadership is set to bring fresh perspectives and calls for greater inclusion within government policy and administration.
- The ongoing demands by Independents for a more prominent role in the government have placed Seán Canney at the forefront, with his extensive network and negotiation skills potentially playing a crucial role in maintaining balance between the coalition and Independent ministers.
- The rise of Seán Canney as a de facto leader of the Independent ministers signals a shift towards greater inclusion within government policy and administration, as calls for fresh perspectives and a more high-profile role for Independents are being championed by Canney.
