TD Michael Fitzmaurice believes there's a need for a rural party in Ireland.
Government backbenchers are concerned the Green Party agenda will drive their voters to support a new planned rural party, according to the Irish Daily Mail.
They're worried the Greens are having too much influence in the Coalition, which could damage their chances in the next election.
Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice says many voters need a party to represent rural Ireland:
"The a reality here that there's a lot of voters out there, be is that if a new rural party gets up and running, or other parties that are there, the voters, one way or the other, don't agree with some of the policies that are being pursued for rural Ireland. And the people will obviously vote for whatever alternatives are put in front of them".
