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Se\u00e1n Canney is leaving the Independent Alliance.<\/p>\nSe\u00e1n Canney is leaving the Independent Alliance.<\/p>\n
It follows a recent row which had left his future in the group unclear.<\/p>\n
He was unhappy at not getting back his job as a Junior Minister after swapping roles with Kevin Boxer Moran.<\/p>\n
They were due to switch back this year as part of a deal made when the government was formed, but the Alliance has decided to leave Boxer in the role.<\/p>\n
The Galway East TD has released a statement confirming the move this morning and said he will “continue to support the Government on issues of confidence and budgetary matters”.<\/p>\n
He has spent a week considering his position and has decided to leave the Independent Alliance.<\/p>\n
It is unclear at the moment if he will keep the position of Assistant Government Whip, which sees him get a \u20ac15,000 top-up to his salary.<\/p>\n
His statement said in full:<\/p>\n
“I have today informed my Independent Alliance colleagues that I am leaving the group. I wish the Independent Alliance all the best in the future.<\/p>\n
“I confirm that I will continue to support the Government on issues of confidence and budgetary matters.<\/p>\n
“I have taken time to consider all my options and I thank you all for your patience. I was elected by the people of Galway East as an Independent to represent their interests. Since my election I have done that to the best of my ability. I will continue to put the people first, they are my priority.<\/p>\n
“National issues such as Brexit are a threat to our country. I believe that we will need to work collectively to protect Ireland\u2019s interests.<\/p>\n
Other areas of concern are housing, health services and flooding and the increasing challenges faced by small family farmers and rural dwellers.<\/p>\n
“The Atlantic Economic Corridor is the vehicle by which we will deliver balanced regional development.<\/p>\n
“The Program for Government was developed to ensure that we deliver a better, fairer society for all our citizens. As an Independent TD serving Galway East, I look forward to the task of delivering this program for the benefit of Galway East and the region.\u2019<\/p>\n
“I want to thank all who have contacted me over the last number of weeks offering their support. I want again to emphasize that it is business as usual for me as I continue to serve the constituents of Galway East as an Independent TD.”<\/p>\n
In a statement, the Independent Alliance wished Canney well in the future.<\/p>\n