Noel Grealish rules out joining Shane Ross’s alliance

Independent TD for Galway West, Noel Grealish, has confirmed he will not be joining fellow deputy Shane Ross' s national alliance of Independents.

His announcement came as a group of Independent TDs are preparing to meet councillors in Tullamore, Co Offaly, at the weekend in the hope of launching a national movement that could form part of the next government.

The TDs involved are Shane Ross, Finian McGrath, Michael Fitzmaurice, John Halligan and Tom Fleming.

However, Mr Grealish, who was previously a member of the Progressive Democrats, said he would remain outside the group.

“I have discussed the matter with my colleagues and supporters in Galway West over the past few months and have come to the conclusion that I can better serve the people of Galway as a true independent,” he said.

“I will not be joining any party or loose alliance of Independent TDs in the run-up to the general election.”

Mr Grealish said he wished both Mr Ross's alliance and the new Renua party led by Lucinda Creighton well.

Former Fine Gael senator Fidelma Healy-Eames, who will also contest the general election in Galway West, recently said she would stand as a non-party candidate. There had been some speculation she would join Ms Creighton’s party.