Independent TD Mattie McGrath has said he will not be joining a new political party set up by Senator Ronan Mullen because he intends establishing one himself.
Mr Mullen registered a new party called Human Dignity Alliance last week with a view to contesting elections for the Oireachtas, and European elections.
Speaking to The Irish Times, Mr McGrath said Mr Mullen had not spoken to him since the referendum on the Eighth Amendment and claimed the Senator had gone on a "solo run" with the establishment of the new party.
Asked if he would be willing to join the Human Dignity Alliance, Mr McGrath said it was still his intention to form a party with Independent TD for Cork South West Michael Collins.
Things had stalled recently but it was still his goal to form a group, Mr McGrath added.
“I believe there is a need for a new political party, which focuses on rural issues. I haven’t spoken to Ronan about the new political party – this is the first I heard of it. We will continue with our own plans, ” he said.
Political grouping
The Human Dignity Alliance is borne out of a political grouping within Leinster House that met annually.
However, many of the Oireachtas members were from various political organisations and are therefore unable to participate.
Mr McGrath’s party has been under discussions since as far back as last November when a number of anti-abortion Oireachtas members met to consider forming an alliance.
Mr McGrath and Mr Collins have met the Standards in Public Office Commission about the possibility of forming a new group.
Former Fianna Fáil senator John Hanafin is also involved in the process. It is understood Mr McGrath is seeking to recruit former Sinn Féin TD Carol Nolan.
