Independent Ireland has gathered in Limerick for the party's inaugural think-in.
Elected members of the recently established party gathered for the think-in in the South Court Hotel in Limerick city.
In attendance were the party's three TDs - Michael Collins, Richard O'Donaghue and Michael Fitzmaurice, - as well as its MEP, Ciaran Mullooly, and 23 councillors elected in the recent local election.
The party used the event to introduce the first of their general election candidates and to publicise its election manifesto, which will focus on healthcare, housing, cost of living, immigration, law and order and rural Ireland.
Party leader Michael Collins said "bold action" and "common sense" are required to deal with all the challenges Ireland faces and that is what Independent Ireland offers.
"Common sense is gone out of politics in Ireland today. Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Greens have more or less abandoned the people and people are angered by that. We're going to offer common sense policies so people can recognise there is a party out there that speaks on behalf of the people," he said.
Mr Collins said the party is offering the people of Ireland "solutions that will improve their lives".
"We are committed to delivering policies that make a difference, from healthcare and housing to cost of living, immigration, law and order, and supporting our rural communities. The people deserve better, and Independent Ireland is here to deliver," he said.
On healthcare, the party says it will focus on attracting and retaining healthcare professionals and reducing waiting lists.
Logo for @independent_ire along with slogan "Forward Together"at the new party's inaugural "think-in" in Limerick pic.twitter.com/uI7IKzrpBQ
— Joe Mag Raollaigh (@joemagraollaigh) August 24, 2024
It also says it will work to provide affordable housing to renters and end child homelessness.
Regarding immigration, Independent Ireland says it has plans for emergency immigration legislation, securing Ireland's borders and having extended court sittings to speed up immigration cases.
The party is also committing to harsher sentencing for violent and sexual crimes, increasing garda numbers and making communities safer.
It also says it will support Irish farmers through new schemes and supports and work to renegotiate fish quotas for Irish vessels.
Regarding the next general election, Michael Collins said the party will have a large number of candidates running, some of the 23 existing councillors will run and they are taking to other potential candidates.
It is the first party think-in to be held ahead of the return of the Dáil next month.
Over the coming weeks, think-ins will be held by other parties, meetings that will set the tone for their approaches to the new Dáil term.
