Anti Austerity Alliance hoping to get 'at least' seven seats in election

By Elaine Loughlin, political reporter

The Anti Austerity Alliance – People Before Profit hope to get at least seven seats in the upcoming election.

The left leaning grouping believe they can resolve any differences to remain together during the life time of the next government.

Last week both groups were split on whether its voters should transfer to Sinn Féin in the general election - AAA said it is against this while PBP is in favour.

Speaking outside Leinster House Ruth Coppinger of the AAA pointed out the “strong common principals” of both groupings going into the election.

“We can have differences that’s the nature of this alliance, it isn’t that we have to agree on every single solitary issue but were coming together to provide a real alternative for people in the election.

“I think the alliance, if we get at least seven TDs elected will remain in the next Dáil united,” she said.

Richard Boyd Barrett of PBP said the coalition would give a voice in the Dáil to the movement of people power.

The grouping is fielding 31 candidates in the election announced for February 26.

The alliance is against water charges, and is pushing investment in health and education as well as a sharing of the wealth to create a more equal society.

“I think you will see a further erosion of the dominance of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour after this election.

“Ireland is changing and we will see further changes during the course of this election and with the election results.

“We are standing on a clear set of principles on which we agree, on lifting the burden of austerity on low and middle income families, about investing in public services and about sharing the wealth with a progressive tax system so the people at the very top make a fair contribution towards having a decent and fair, equal society.

Ms Coppinger added: “50% of people are willing to break form eh tradition establishment parties that represents a new phenomenon in Irish politics so I think that there is the prospect certainly in the coming years of having a real chance of a radical alternative