FORMER MEP PAUL Murphy says that he believes that he represents a “message of resistance” in the upcoming Dublin South West by-election.

Murphy, who lost his European seat in May, today threw his hat into the ring for the by-election. With the most recent Dublin by-election going to a fellow Anti Austerity Alliance member – Ruth Coppinger- Murphy will be feeling confident.

“People in this area decisively rejected the politics of austerity, of putting banks and bondholders before people’s needs, in the local and European elections. In the aftermath of those elections, the gulf between the rhetoric about recovery and reality continues to widen for most people, as austerity politics continues as usual.

This by-election is likely to take place in the run-up to the budget. It is a vital opportunity to pile pressure on the government not to implement yet more cuts. The best way to do that is to elect an Anti Austerity Alliance activist.

Murphy said that a message would be sent if he can see off government TDs.

“If the AAA wins a seat in this by-election, as we believe we can, a powerful message of resistance will be sent. A message that we will resist the imposition of the bailout water tax, we refuse to pay for the debts of the bondholders and that we demand a real recovery for working people – which means pay rises, the provision of decent housing and public services.

“It will further undermine this hated government and lay the basis for building a new movement to represent working people and fighting for a socialist alternative.”

Read: Runners and riders update: Here’s who’s vying to take Brian Hayes’ vacant Dáil seat