Question: Welfare reform has been highlighted as a priority issue for them. Can you set out your own parties thinking on the need, if any, for reform of the welfare system and to what end?

Question: Can you set out the initiatives you aim to target in the course of next government around the areas of mental health and disability services. 

Paul Bradford admits it’s going to be an uphill battle for the fledgling party, writes Sean O’Riordan

How interesting it is to note in yesterday’s Irish Examiner (January 18) that Paul Bradford and Lucinda Creighton rue the abolition of town councils.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has reiterated his promise to phase out the controversial Universal Social Charge, despite differing comments from Finance Minister Michael Noonan.

Renua Ireland claims the abolition of town councils was a “facile act of populism” and their reinstatement will be a red-line issue for the party.

It can’t be easy juggling a one year old and a new political party. From motherhood to gym classes, renting to creche fees, Lucinda Creighton tells all to John Meagher.

The newly-formed Independent Alliance which expects to have 20 candidates in place for the general election yesterday unveiled new hopefuls who have joined its ranks.

Renua is dominated by former minister Lucinda Creighton, though she says the party is bigger than just one person.

Finding a house that is suitable for the complex health needs of her daughter, born severely premature, has been a constant struggle for Barbara Mulhare. She talks to Catherine Shanahan about her 26-year struggle to find them a home

Senator Paul Bradford - and the husband of Lucinda Creighton - said he has not yet decided whether he will run for a seat in the Dail when his wife sets up her new party.

From a wannabe Southside Evita to one of the few TDs with a spine — Lucinda Creighton has been called it all.

The launch of a new political party is due to be announced this morning by former Minister of State and Fine Gael TD Lucinda Creighton.

Ireland’s legitimate right to check whether all asylum seeker application requests are genuine cannot be used as an excuse for the "unacceptable" length of time people are spending in the direct provision system.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s move to force a Government majority onto the banking inquiry was compared to what happened in Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia by opposition senators.

The Reform Alliance say they may become a political party in the future, but there are no plans for it at the moment.

The Reform Alliance will host their public conference this afternoon in the RDS and you can follow live updates here from 10am.

New political grouping The Reform Alliance, which is due to be registered with the Standards in Public Office Commission in coming days, is holding a conference at the end of this month.

Coalition sources say this week’s Seanad votes on social welfare cuts will be tight but are confident of preventing opposition parties delaying the passing of budget legislation.

The decision by a former Mayor of County Cork not to contest next summer’s local elections is the latest in a line of shock resignations to hit County Hall.

The end of the beginning.

Former banker consultant Peter Mathews has resigned from the Fine Gael party.

The fallout between Taoiseach Enda Kenny the seven rebel “Reform Alliance” TDs and senators showed no sign of abating yesterday after Mr Kenny said he wasn’t interested in “superfluous conversations” which had nothing to do with the problems Ireland faces every day.

Fine Gael rebel Lucinda Creighton has said her new grouping, Reform Alliance, which is holding a think-in in Dublin today will “speak its own mind in the Dáil” and “vote in the best interests of the country”.

The prospect of disaffected Fine Gael and Labour elected TDs joining forces to secure greater Dáil rights has grown stronger after two from either group held discussions.

A group of former Fine Gael TDs claims the government can't try to silence them while also abolishing the Seanad.

Fine Gael rebels kicked out of the party over the abortion legislation have vowed to join forces on the opposition benches as the Coalition scrambles to win important votes in the Seanad.

The Seanad was a bit like one of Mozart’s great operas yesterday, one where pantomime is used to shield us from the darkest inevitabilities facing humanity.

Rebel TDs kicked out of Fine Gael for opposing the abortion legislation could be let back into the parliamentary party after a period of time, according to a junior minister.

The Seanad has voted to hold a referendum to abolish itself by 33 votes to 25.

Expelled Fine Gael TDs resisted efforts by Leinster House ushers to move them out of their party offices and into different locations following their expulsion from the parliamentary party.

The Seanad will today begin two days of debate on possible amendments to the abortion bill.

Fine Gael lost two more Oireachtas members from its parliamentary party yesterday as two senators voted against the abortion legislation as it passed through the Upper House.

The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill passed its first vote in the Seanad by 41 votes to 15.

At least two Fine Gael Senators are likely to lose the party whip with a vote on the abortion legislation later today.

Fine Gael is expected to lose up to three senators today when the House votes on an amendment objecting to the principle of legislation allowing abortion in limited circumstances.

The Seanad will this week have what is likely to be its last opportunity before a referendum on its abolition to showcase itself as a relevant and necessary part of democracy as it begins debating legislation this morning allowing abortion in limited circumstances.

Dissident Fine Gael senators will attempt to block the passing of the abortion legislation through the Seanad on Monday.