Independent TDs launch electoral alliance group

The Independents Alliance political grouping has been formally launched.

It will see TDs, Senators, and Councillors contest the next general election with a view to becoming part of a coalition Government.

They will not, however, apply a whip to members except under votes of confidence.

Independent Senator Feargal Quinn has agreed to become the Parliamentary Chairman of the grouping, though he said he does not intend to contest either the next general election or the subsequent election to the Seanad.

Deputy Shane Ross said they will not put themselves before the electorate as a 'party'.

"We don’t intend, at the moment, to have a binding manifesto. That sort of detail isn't appropriate," he said.

"What we have is priorities – demands and priorities that we'll put to any coalition that's going into party.

"We're not a traditional political party. We're radical, but we're responsible. And we're not going to bind people to policies which they don't agree with."