The leader of the Green Party has criticised the influence of independents on government policy.
Launching his party's election broadcast today, Greens leader John Gormley said if individual TDs held the balance of power it would make it more difficult for the Government to get out of the economic crisis.
"We don't need a government that must constantly look over its shoulder to ensure that independents, with their range of interests, are being 'looked after'," he said.
"The Green Party is the only party contesting this election that has not been tainted by auction politics and bad decision-making over the last 20 years, and which has real experience of making difficult decisions in government."
He claimed pandering to the whims of individual TDs was unhealthy for the country.
"We don't have to look too far for evidence: we've had ex-Fine Gael TD Michael Lowry pushing for his Las Vegas-style casino in Tipperary and we've had Jackie Healy-Rae irresponsibly holding the country to ransom during our economic crisis," Mr Gormley said.
"We were very clear about that dealing with the likes of Michael Lowry. I said to Minister Lenihan at the time - there is no way we can entertain a casino," he said. "You can't pander to this sort of very, very narrow interest and unhealthy interests. It's just not good for the country."
"If people want the next government to have a strong mandate for the tough challenges ahead, there would seem to be no benefit from having to pander to a dozen or more independents," he said.
There are 202 independent candidates standing in the general election, compared to just 90 in 2007.
Mr Gormley also hit out at Senator Shane Ross for his call to further cut Ireland's corporation tax rate.