Independents to launch new leftist party

Three Independent TDs will today unveil their new party- expected to be called the Social Democrats — which hopes to target disillusioned Labour voters in the next general election.

Fresh policies, how the party will expand, and its priorities will be announced by TDs Roisin Shortall, Stephen Donnelly, and Catherine Murphy following weeks of speculation.

It is expected that initially the party will not have a leader but will be registered, have its own website, and launch a number of policies on issues that will appeal to the electorate.

These will include areas such as how to grow businesses, how to fund and support public services as well as how to reform the political system, both inside and outside Leinster House.

Sources familiar with the setting up of the party told the Irish Examiner: “It’s in an interesting place. Labour will struggle at the general election. Their voters though won’t want to go to Sinn Féin. This party will be slightly left of centre and also hope to take Fianna Fáil votes.”

Sources said the party is expected to be called the Social Democrats or something similar, and that the three TDs will use the party name from today.

However, the party will also face a challenge to expand beyond its “Pale-centric” image as it develops in the coming months, sources said. Inroads though have already been made by Mr Donnelly (Wicklow), Ms Shortall (Dublin North West), and Ms Murphy (Kildare).

Mr Donnelly helped launch the election campaign for Niall Ó Tuathail, a Galway West election candidate, last month and the software businessman is expected to soon align himself with the new party.

However, sources stressed yesterday that no new members have been decided yet and that the new party would be developed over the coming months.

Political reform, including proposals on overhauling decision making at the heart of government, will also form an important part of the new party’s plans.

The party is expected to be informed on this by Ms Shortall, who was a junior health minister in the Coalition but left after disagreements over policies and with her senior minister, James Reilly.

Senator Katherine Zappone has also not ruled out joining the party, after already launching previous policy documents with deputy Donnelly.

Despite speculation that former Fianna Fáil senator Averil Power may also join the party, Leinster House sources at this stage say that this is unlikely.