The new Ceann Comhairle’s political journey
Verona Murphy TD is to become the new Ceann Comhairle, becoming the first female Ceann Comhairle and the first independent to assume the role since Seán Treacy in 1997. In December 2023, the Wexford TD spoke to eolas Magazine about her political journey.
How did your political career begin?
As President of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) from 2016 to 2020, I spearheaded a campaign that saw commercial road tax reduced by 80 per cent for licensed haulage operators so that they could be on a competitive footing to their EU counterparts, this meant a saving of approximately €4,000 per truck and was a very significant win for the licensed road haulage sector more over the IRHA. I was appointed by DG MOVE, the European Commission transport department, to be a diversity ambassador for women in transport, and a combination of both these experiences and having completed a law degree in my 40s, I began to see many problems set before us were with legislation. I decided to run as an Independent in the general election in 2020. The people of Wexford gave me their support and trust in that election, and I have endeavoured over the last four years to represent them to the best of my ability.
What are your most notable achievements in the Oireachtas to date?
I have worked tirelessly to bring recognition that Rosslare Europort is Ireland’s more strategic port post Brexit and one of Ireland’s greatest assets, working with all stakeholders to secure the future of the port as Ireland’s gateway to Europe as many politicians were ill informed and stated no investment could be made in Rosslare because the State did not own it. My efforts were successful, the port is now the number one port in Ireland for direct roll-on sailings to the continent with a significant €200 million investment approved for port upgrade and development despite prior reservation of Government parties who now endorse this investment.
As a member of the opposition, I work tirelessly in representing the concerns of Wexford people in relation to general services across housing, health, childcare, education, jobs, and the environment.
Housing is in deep crisis, building output has never been worse. I am very vocal on the operation of local authorities and their engagement with local elected representatives particularly on planning and their developing of a county development plan, their spending and general operations which do not come under the remit of the Public Accounts Committee, of which I am a member. Local authorities receive over €6 billion from the exchequer, which I believe warrants the scrutiny of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
My notable achievements have been assisting many constituents with their own personal difficulties and finding resolution for them through Oireachtas representation successfully.
I am a member of the Public Accounts Committee; I strive weekly to seek value across all government departments holding those responsible at department management level to account for decisions and spending of constituents hard earned taxes.
What is unique about representing the Wexford constituency?
Wexford is a beautiful county which boasts over 200km of coastline while being home to Ireland’s most strategic port. It has a current population of close on 164,000, an increase of 9 per cent since the census of 2016. This increase is higher than the national average; people want to live in County Wexford. Wexford residents are also older than the national average with the number of people aged 65 and older continuing to grow.
The county is also home to nearly 33,000 children aged 15 and under, so Wexford is a very diverse and unique county in that many of the national “average” statistics do not apply to Wexford. Wexford is a county of mixed fortunes, and a county where much more needs to be achieved by our political representatives in a timelier manner for the county.
Wexford is a rich agriculture, fishing, and tourist driven county but is not in receipt of balanced regional development or financial input proportionate to the aforementioned statistics. As an independent TD in opposition, it is my job to highlight this and be the voice of Wexford to ensure proposed projects get delivered by constantly advocating until delivery happens.
How can independent TDs maximise their impact during the lifetime of the current Dáil?
Independent TDs can certainly shape the political landscape, and this is evident in the four years that I have been elected. We have seen a ‘sea-change’ with Rosslare Europort from party elected representatives, because I was not subject to a party whip and was able to articulate all the information that needs to be said, not just the bits the parties want you to hear. The Government still does not own Rosslare Europort but have had to deliver the €200 investment as their reasons not to just did not stack up. My moto is ‘capable, committed, and consistent’ and that is to the people who elected me in Wexford.
In my experience, party politicians get elected and then go to Dublin to serve not as a county TD but to serve their party. Regardless of what the people that have elected them think or say, they will follow the party whip. As an independent, I regularly host public meetings to attain public opinion in Wexford after informed discussion.
As the only independent and women elected in Wexford, I can hold all parties to account; when I speak in the Dáil or elsewhere, I am informed by the people speaking for the people.
My vote is based on the effect of that legislation on my constituents in Wexford, and no party line dictates my vote. Many constituents are feeling disillusioned and unrepresented by the major parties, independents offer an alternative to those voters.
What are your interests outside of the political sphere?
My family and all things which effect and are about rural life.
