Independent McGrath sets out stall on policy issues

Independent TD's are busy making lists of demands as they get ready for a call from Bertie Ahern to make up the next government.

Fianna Fáil could be relying on the support of some independents along with the PDs to get the numbers they need.

Dublin North-Central TD Finian McGrath said he wants a number of issues on the table before he goes into power.

He said: "If I'm approached by any political party the three issues for me are; disabilities, health and education. Now, I have many other local issues but on the national issues it's basically disabilities, health and education."

More specifically he singled out hospital beds and class size.

"I'm talking about extra beds in Beaumont Hospital, to deal with the capacity issues, but I'm also talking about the broader issues like education disadvantage and class size issues.

"These are just some of the policies that I've put forward to the electorate in Dublin North Central and these are the issues that I want implemented," he said.