A NEW POLITICAL network of independent politicians, made up of six TDs and one MEP will formally launch its website tomorrow.

The loose alliance of independent politicians includes Catherine Murphy, John Halligan, Thomas Pringle, Finian McGrath, Maureen O’Sullivan, ex-Labour TD Patrick Nulty and MEP Marian Harkin.

Earlier this month, the group announced that they would be aligning with one another in the run up the local and European elections.

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The Independents’ Network aims to encourage and assist independents to contest at local government level and the website will include information regarding the logistics and practicalities of running for election as an independent candidate as well as profiles of independent candidates.

The organisers hope that the network will provide a platform for independent politicians and candidates to come together on key issues such as equality, democracy and human rights.

The principles of the group are laid out in a document entitled ‘Independent Thought – United Vision’ which sets out a proposal to “work together for the improvement of society with a vision of making the State more responsive to the needs of citizens”.

Members of political parties will be not allowed to join the network and those that do will be required to sign up to a manifesto-like document which discusses issues such as equality, human rights, and community.

The network said that independents and smaller parties that regularly collaborate in groupings can be very effective, adding that “active networking can achieve real success”.

They added:

This Network aims to harness that collaborative process on a much wider level where those among us who are independent at national level can support and assist community based people to get involved in politics and, once elected, those independents as local level can work together, where necessary, and provide support to each other.

Related:Six TDs will launch a network of independent election candidates later this month>