Fitzmaurice: Rise of Independents will work in Dáil
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One of Ireland's newest TD's has dismissed concerns about the impact of a high number of independents in the Dáil.
It follows comments from former Labour minister Pat Rabbitte at the weekend, who warned it will prove difficult to form a coalition after the next general election.
Two new deputies will be introduced to the Dáil on budget day tomorrow - Independent Michael Fitzmaurice and Anti-Austerity Alliance deputy Paul Murphy - who won their seats in weekend by-elections.
Roscommon-South Leitrim Deputy Fitzmaurice is adamant independent representatives can be brought together on policies.
He said: "You can always put a government together once you've elected a Taoiseach.
"I've worked in a council with Independents and we have worked and got together and actually we have policies formulated of what our vision is."