New centre-left party ‘will target Coalition policies’

The formation of a new centre-left party movement will challenge the policies of the Government parties and attempt to attract disillusioned politicians from Labour as well as Fianna Fáil.

Fri, 12 Jun, 2015 - 01:00

Juno McEnroe

Sources familiar with the new party have revealed that it will promote the public service, but at the same time advocate lower taxes and support for small businesses.

Its formation is just a number of weeks away, said sources, but it will not be running candidates nationwide in the upcoming general election.

Independent TDs Stephen Donnelly, Roisín Shortall, and Catherine Murphy, and senator Katherine Zappone, are so far the leading members uniting to form the new movement.

Mr Donnelly has confirmed private talks are ongoing, but refused to say more.

However, sources familiar with the talks outlined key policies which will be promoted. These will include promoting enterprise but with a strong focus on small businesses.

The centre-left movement will try to differentiate itself from the policies of Labour and Fine Gael and highlight how high-street businesses need support as opposed to multinational firms.

“This is the real kind of meat-and-two-veg in the economy that has been left behind,” said a source.

“This is not kite-flying and will happen in a few weeks. The first event is the next general election. But this is a movement, it will take time to develop.”

All three TDs are expected to have strong chances of being returned in their respective Wicklow, Dublin and Kildare constituencies at the next election. However, it remains unclear which politicians outside Leinster the new movement might hope to attract.

Reports that senator Averil Power, who recently left Fianna Fáil, might join the party have been rejected by sources.