Form a government quickly to sort out the pressing issues facing us

As I watched the excitement of the newly elected TDs arriving in the Dáil on February 20, I recalled my own first day as a TD in June 1981.

At that time a Mass was held in the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin before the Dáil met, so many of us arrived together from that Mass to a crowded plinth in front of Leinster House. That Mass is no longer held but now we have the mini-fleadh of the Healy-Rae brothers, the special cars delivering the TDs, new TD Emer

Higgins stepping off the bus outside the gate, and busloads of family and friends.

It is a special honour to be elected to Dáil Éireann and we arrive there determined to deliver for our constituents — and for our country.

The situation now has thrown up an entirely new playbook for the formation of a government: there is no simple formula to assist in the process as the several parties and 19 Independents all have a responsibility to involve themselves in giving the country a new government.

The issues that dominated the election campaign such as housing, health, pensions and childcare were not the only subjects that affected how people voted.

Listening to friends and relatives from outside Dublin and the eastern commuter counties, it would be a mistake for any party to overlook many other issues that were constantly raised: the Bord na Mona closures; the effect of the new drink-driving laws; the lack of rural transport networks; broadband provision; the needs of the elderly, particularly in remote areas; and the disastrous situation many farmers and communities are coping with as they see their homes, businesses, farms and animals being badly damaged by the bad weather.

And there are two other major issues:

Brexit hovers over us all whether we are running a business or farming.

And the coronavirus epidemic is upon us and is causing great concern.

The hands of acting ministers are somewhat tied, so we need a government and we need it as speedily as possible.

We need a government that can cope with these varied areas of policy, and I feel that a combination of different parties and some of the newly formed Independent groups may offer the best prospect of delivering a stable and reforming platform for running our country.

I am not advocating a government with no opposition, but a good mixture may be the best medicine for us all today.

I feel that a combination of different parties and new Independent groups may offer the best prospect of delivering a stable and reforming platform

Nora Owen is a former Fine Gael Minister for Justice