Michael Fitzmaurice (politician)

Michael Fitzmaurice (born 18 September 1969) is an Irish Independent politician who has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Roscommon–Galway constituency since the 2016 general election. He previously sat as a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Roscommon–South Leitrim constituency from 2014 to 2016.^[1]

Before becoming a politician, Fitzmaurice used to run an agricultural and turf contracting business.^[2] He is the Chair of the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association.

Political career

He was elected to Galway County Council for the Tuam area at the local elections held in May 2014.^[3] He entered national politics in a by-election caused by the election of Luke 'Ming' Flanagan to the European Parliament. He was endorsed by Flanagan.

He was a founding member of the Independent Alliance, which was formed in 2015.^[4] On 18 May 2016, Fitzmaurice, was the only Independent Alliance TD to vote against Enda Kenny as Taoiseach. He later announced that day he was leaving the group and would not join the government.^[5]

Policies

He is in favour of cutting "turf" (peat). Turbary rights have been affected by the Habitats Directive, which has resulted in the protection of some raised bogs in Ireland since the 1990s.^[6]

He supports water meters, although he thinks some usage should be free to consumers. He has spoken of wanting to make constitutional changes that would prevent a government from falling if it lost a vote on legislation.^[7]

References