The Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice has quit the Independent Alliance grouping.

Deputy Fitzmaurice was the only member of the grouping not to vote for Enda Kenny as Taoiseach.

In a statement tonight he says he felt he had to leave as his access to speaking time in the chamber while still in the grouping would be limited.

He says he will be voting with the minority Government on issues that benefit society at large.