Independent TDs set to support the next government might not get a full Cabinet position and could have to settle for a super junior role instead.
In the aftermath of the election of Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle there is said to be a reluctance within Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to offer a senior role at Cabinet to an Independent TD.
Seán Canney or Noel Grealish are seen as strong contenders for a single super junior role where they would attend government meetings but would not be able to vote at the Cabinet.
A similar position was previously held by the then Independent TD Finian McGrath when he served as minister for disability from 2016 to 2020.
There would also be junior ministerial posts for the Independent TDs, with Kevin 'Boxer' Moran and Marian Harkin linked with these roles.
Although there are 11 TDs, including Aontú, in the Regional Independent Group, only a small number are ultimately expected to fully sign up to an agreement with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
This group is likely to include the group’s de facto leader Michael Lowry, as well as Mr Canney, Mr Grealish, Ms Harkin and Mr Moran.
Michael and Danny Healy-Rae are also close to agreeing a constituency deal with the incoming government.
They are viewed as reliable partners by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and they have been told that their support is required to nail down a comfortable working majority for the new government.
The brothers would have no difficulty in allowing Mr Lowry to co-ordinate the Independents within the government.
However, they view their role as being the fourth leg of the new coalition.
Within the larger parties there is a feeling that a deal with Independents will enable the government to concentrate on "bread and butter issues".
There is likely to be a focus on cost-of-living matters, carers, law and order and supports for businesses.
