Latest: ‘Soldiers of destiny, really?’ Ruth Coppinger hits back at criticism of name change

Update 11.45am: The Anti Austerity Alliance are changing the name of the party to 'Solidarity'.

Fine Gael TDs have been criticizing the name - with Leo Varadkar saying the change sounds like surrender.

Solidarity deny that - and said it was about putting more of a focus on the social issues they campaign on.

TD Ruth Coppinger says criticism is a bit rich coming from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

“I don’t see the same questioning by the media about what does Fianna Fáil mean. I mean, soldiers of destiny, really? Or Fine Gael? These names mean absolutely nothing to ordinary people.”

Earlier: The Anti-Austerity Alliance has announced it is changing its name.

From today, it will be known as Solidarity and will also expand its scope of campaigning.

The Alliance, which has three TDs, said it wants to focus more on campaigns such as repealing the 8th amendment and pay restoration, as well as its traditional anti-water charges movement.

It said a big space is opening up on the left in Irish politics and it thinks it can make a real difference for women, workers and young people.

The Alliance's Cork North Central TD Mick Barry says the name resonates well with economic and social issues.

"It's a name that would chime well on a workers picket line and a repeal the 8th amendment demonstration," he said.

"We're not saying austerity is gone…Just talk to a bus worker or Tesco worker and you'll soon find out about that.

"We do think that things have moved on somewhat, and a big issue for working people now is getting a share of the recovery for themselves."