Waterford Independent TD Matt Shanahan has defended voting for the new government.
He was among the Independents who supported Micheál Martin's nomination for Taoiseach and his picks for cabinet.
But he came in for strong criticism on social media and from Sinn Féin for the move.
Matt Shanahan told WLR News that he voted for Mr Martin because the country needs a government in place to pass legislation.
"I would say firstly that I think that it is very important that we get a government.
"I have been doing a lot of work with SME's who are awaiting funding from Europe that can't be released until legislation is passed.
"We had the risk of the Special Criminal Court's legislation lapsing without a government being formed.
"The most important thing to me is that we get a government first and foremost and that the issues of Waterford will have to be dealt with after that but, first of all we needed a new administration in place and that's what I was voting for."
The deputy says Saturday's vote in the Convention Centre was not about holding the government to account.
"I've already said I'm disappointed that in the programme for government there wasn't a commitment to 24/7 cardiac care.
"This government may or may not last the pace, we don't know. From my perspective, I think we've got to be trying to hold them account and work with them but Saturday was not the day for doing that.
"Saturday was the day for getting an administration in. I can understand people's point of view, to a degree I share it but, I was in a very difficult position."
Deputy Shanahan says he is participating in more talks happening with Taoiseach Micheál Martin this week.
"Voting against Micheál Martin would have made no difference to the vote being carried.
"I think it's more important at this juncture that we have some relationship to talk about what might be delivered for the South East.
"I think you're better off doing that from a position where you supported him rather than going in to meet him having not supported him."
