Independent Alliance recruits ex-Fianna Fáil man David McGuinness

By Elaine Loughlin, political reporter

A former Fianna Fáil member has become the latest addition to the diverse grouping of the Independent Alliance.

Launching their ‘Charter for Change’ the grouping, which includes sitting TDs Shane Ross, John Halligan, Tom Fleming and Finian McGrath, introduced its newest addition.

Councillor David McGuinness, formerly of Fianna Fáil, was unveiled as an Independent Alliance candidate and signed their charter at the launch in the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin this morning.

Cllr McGuinness, who is contesting in Dublin West, has already run in two by-elections in the constituency for his former party.

However, he quit Fianna Fáil last year after failing to secure a nomination from the party. Instead Castleknock-based councillor Jack Chambers was selected as their candidate in the constituency.

He has replaced Councillor Lorna Nolan who has stepped down as a candidate due to a family illness.

Other candidates include former Green Party TD Paul Gogarty in Dublin Mid-West and journalist Carol Hunt in Dún Laoghaire.

So far 21 candidates have signed up to the alliance which plans not to introduce a whip system, allowing members to vote how they like.

However, Shane Ross this morning said that if the grouping were to enter into a government coalition after the upcoming election they would support motions of confidence in it and would not bring down a government.

This is among the 10 points laid out in their charter.

Other principles include seeking a veto on any nominee to the posts of both Attorney General and Minister for Justice and denying bail to repeat offenders.