Former Fine Gael Leader Alan Shatter to Enter Independent Politics Ahead of General Election
Dublin: Former Justice Minister Alan Shatter has made headlines by leaving Fine Gael to pursue a career in independent politics. Shatter announced his candidacy as an independent for the Dublin Rathdown constituency, focusing his campaign on key issues such as the abolition of inheritance tax. The Dublin Rathdown constituency is currently represented by two Fine Gael TDs—Neale Richmond and Josépha Madigan. While Madigan has confirmed she will not seek re-election, the Green Party’s Catherine Martin, Minister for Media, faces declining political fortunes following the RTE controversy.
Shatter’s Return to Politics
Shatter, once a popular figure among the immigrant community, has been absent from the Dáil for eight years, having been expelled from Fine Gael in 2018. He served as Minister for Justice from 2011 to 2014 under the leadership of Taoiseach Enda Kenny. During his tenure, he survived a motion of no confidence related to the Maurice McCabe controversy but ultimately resigned after losing the Prime Minister’s trust.
Independent Candidacy Confirmed
Shatter has confirmed his return to politics and has distributed leaflets announcing his candidacy in Dublin Rathdown. He has begun holding public meetings in the constituency, positioning himself as a champion of free speech and independent voices in the Dáil. Speaking at an event in Goatstown, Dublin, Shatter criticised inheritance tax, referring to it as “a mixture of envy and resentment.” He pledged to lead the charge for its abolition, citing the current 33% tax rate as excessive.
Criticism of the Government and Campaign Focus
Shatter’s campaign will also target the perceived failures of the current Fine Gael-led government, particularly in securing Dublin and supporting the Defence Forces. He criticised the coalition government, including the Green Party, for their inability to complete the National Children’s Hospital due to a lack of effective oversight and financial controls. He argued that independent voices are essential in the Dáil to speak truthfully and hold the government accountable.
In a final jab at his former party, Shatter highlighted the failure of Finance Minister Jack Chambers to reduce inheritance tax in the last budget, though the threshold for taxation was raised from €335,000 to €400,000. He framed his candidacy as a necessary antidote to the shortcomings of the tripartite coalition, advocating for bold changes and more transparent governance.
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