This is a group of Independent TDs and candidates which was set up in March 2015.
It is a diverse group that stretches across the urban/rural and left/right divide.
Not defined by any particular ideology, the group is not a registered political party and all of its TDs still sit as independents in the Dáil.
Among its members are Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown), Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway), Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North), John Halligan (Waterford) and Tom Fleming (Kerry).
“The party that is not a party” is described by its members as a loose alliance of independent TDs and councillors who will unite on several common principles and policies.
Leading member of the alliance, Mr Ross, said the Independent Alliance TDs would be allowed a free vote on every issue.
On Tuesday 12 January, it published a ‘charter for change’ which is built on the pledge of “radical, but responsible” politics.
The group has published ten principles which will guide it in any negotiations for government after the election. Among them is a plan to get rid of the party whip system in the Dáil.
By Conor McMorrow, RTÉ's Political Staff
