Left alliance willing to wait for government role

Left wing grouping, the Anti Austerity Alliance-People Before Profit, have effectively ruled themselves out of the next government by vowing not to enter coalition with most other parties.

The group, which between them has four TDs, one of whom, Joe Higgins, is not running again, is aiming for at least seven seats, the number needed for recognition as an official parliamentary grouping in the Dail.

But even if it achieves, or exceeds, that objective, the chances of featuring in the next government are slim as the only substantial party they haven’t ruled out partnering with is Sinn Féin.