Stephen Donnelly rules out joining Independent alliance

Independent TD Stephen Donnelly has confirmed he will not join the Independent alliance championed by fellow Independent deputies Shane Ross and Michael Fitzmaurice.

Mr Donnelly, who represents Wicklow, said he would continue to explore the possibilities for a new political movement after having conversations with TDs involved in the fledgling group.

“At this stage I have concluded that it is not something I will be joining. I believe all challenge to the stale cartel that is Irish politics is welcome, and I wish those involved luck in their endeavours,” he said.

“I will continue my work as an Independent TD. Right now I’m working on policies in areas including education, health, housing, mortgages, SMEs, childcare, freedom of speech and tourism.

“I’m also working on several constituency projects, including an exciting new broadband initiative. I will also continue to explore the possibilities for a new political movement.”

Mr Donnelly said public trust in politics was continuing to fall, and there was ever-growing demand for “meaningful” change to the political system.

“I will continue to push for that change, either as an independent TD as I do now, or as part of a new political movement.”

He said the type of movement he was interested in being part of would be cohesive enough to negotiate and implement a credible programme for Government.

He also said it would be based on progressive social democratic principles, “similar to the Nordic model”, and would champion “meaningful” change of local and national politics.