Social Democrats reject invitation to join Right 2 Change

The Social Democrats party has rejected an invitation to join the Right 2 Change alliance.

The new political grouping was set up by trade unions to campaign for the abolition of water charges and other austerity measures ahead of the next general election.

In a statement this evening the Social Democrats said the primary objective is to build the party, and allow its general election candidates to run on an entirely independent basis.

The party was set up by three sitting Independent TDs - Catherine Murphy, Stephen Donnelly and Roisin Shortall.