Independent group to run on health issue

A new political force will be contesting the upcoming general election.

Eight independent candidates are joining together to form the Independent Health Alliance to represent the sick, elderly and disabled.

Health is likely to be the crucial issue of the election and they are to run with its slogan 'The health system is sick, let's make it better'.

The IHA says it wants to represent the marginalised in society.

The group sprang from the Jamie Sinnott case, and has the backing of his mother Kathy, although she has not yet decided if she herself will contest the general election.

The candidates are running in Dublin, Leinster and Munster.