‘Weekend of the Independents’ looms as think-ins take place

Some of the new forces in Irish politics will hammer out their programmes this weekend for the looming general election.

The Independent Alliance, Social Democratic Party, and People Before Profit, which has just announced a hook-up with the Anti-Austerity Alliance, will each hold meetings aimed at getting them ready for the Dáil poll, which is expected early next year, but could come as soon as November.

The Independent Alliance, a loose political umbrella put together by non-party TDs Shane Ross, Finian McGrath, and Michael Fitzmaurice, has invited broadcaster Eamon Dumphy to speak at their conference.