That's the dictionary term for the word. However, as with everything connected to politics, it can mean a totally different thing when connected to the dark arts of public office. In politics, an independent is a politician who is not affiliated or attached to any political party. However that does not stop independents constantly supporting one party, which fudges the whole idea of independence.

In Irish politics, being independent has numerous connotations. For instance, an Independent politician may run on single, personal issues. In these circumstances, individuals pop up who feel their grievances are not represented by the major parties – think hospital closures or mast erection, and some have made the Dail on single issues, mainly to get swamped and voted out the next time.

Then there is the deceased Tony Gregory type, who maintained a solid seat in Dublin Central for over two decades, standing for social reform, while remaining true to the definition of independent. Mr Gregory was outstanding in taking every Dail vote on its merits and making his stance.

However, there is a popular type of independent among those who claim to be independent; the Me-Fein independent. This is the type who do everything bar have their name on a poster under the banner of a party, but cannot bring themselves to be a part of that party for reasons unknown.

The Dail is littered with them. Fianna Fail are backed up by Jimmy Devins, Eamon Scanlon and Jim McDaid, all Independent Fianna Fáilers. As of late however, there is no guarantee that these three will vote with the government.

There are another three independents that do back the government unquestioningly. The colourful and crafty Jackie Healy- Rae offers his support in return for constituency guarantees. Former Fine Gael Minister Michael Lowry has somehow managed to find himself in the same position getting certain deals for his North Tipperary constituency, and lastly the former PD leader Mary Harney, who sits on the cabinet.

Up until Friday night, the government also had the support of Galway West's Independent TD Noel Grealish, but not anymore. Since the PDs gasped it's last – which was officially only in the last couple of weeks, Deputy Grealish, so the rumours go, has felt his connection to the government wane. Now Deputy Grealish finds himself in the unusual position of kingmaker or breaker.

To this end, he will look to gain certain guarantees for his pet project, the Claregalway bypass and possibly flood relief programmes in Galway.

But it will be later today when we will see if Deputy Grealish follows the dictionary definition or the political version of independent. Put simply, if the budget is passed in the Dáil, bye-bye Claregalway's traffic jams.

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