Creighton may establish new political party

A political splinter group made up of ex-Fine Gael TDs is believed to be forming under former minister Lucinda Creighton.

The new party may be formed if they are denied speaking rights when the Dail returns next month, according to reports carried by the Sunday Times.

Ms Creighton has been in discussions with Billy Timmins and Brian Walsh and a number of others, the paper claims, though Timmins said the report was nothing more than speculation.

"There's been much speculation on new political parties, whether it be on the right or the left. But that's all it is - speculation, until such a time as someone sees something concrete.

"I wouldn't be interested in commenting any further," he said.

The politicians in the group were expelled from the Fine Gael parliamentary party last month after voting against the government's abortion legislation.