Padraig O'Morain reports on the Indepents Health Alliance
From the viewpoint of people with disabilities, and those who campaign with them, this election is one of great significance.
For the first time we are seeing a considerable number of candidates standing on issues related to disability.
A movement which, for decades, has lobbied politicians for a better deal, has entered the political arena itself, disillusioned at what has been achieved so far.
The Independents Health Alliance is fielding eight candidates, many of whom have spent years campaigning while coping with their own or someone else's disability.
That most of them have no hope of being elected is of less importance than the fact that their candidature as a group represents a new phase in the work of the disability movement.
And, indeed, the number of candidates standing on disability-related issues or with a background in the area is greater than eight.
For instance, Mr Eddie Collins-Hughes, standing in Carlow/Kilkenny, is on leave from the Carers' Association, of which he is chief executive. Although not a formal member of the Alliance, there is little doubt that he would share many of its frustrations and objectives. Similarly, Ms Kathy Sinnott, in Cork South-Central, can be thought of as being in the same "family" as the Alliance.
The Independents Health Alliance, which has a website at http://www.geocities.com/election_2002_ireland, is co-ordinated from Limerick by Mr Ger South, perhaps one of the longest-standing campaigners on disability in the Republic.
The Alliance is rights-based: it wants services provided to people with disabilities as a matter of right and not on the sort of grace and favour basis which has prevailed up to now. It believes that it can only get this by applying direct political pressure.
The candidates in the Independents Health Alliance are:
Karen Canning, Dublin South: The mother of a child with severe learning and physical disabilities, she has been a hard-working and skilled campaigner for many years on related issues. She works as a practice nurse.
Ciarán Goulding, Dublin North: Has had multiple sclerosis for nine years. At his campaign launch he was still waiting to be assessed by an occupational therapist six months after his doctor told him he should use a wheelchair. He has stood previously.
Finian McGrath, Dublin North Central: A teacher, elected to Dublin City Council in 1999. Has a child with a disability and is a former chairperson of the Dublin branch of Downs Syndrome Ireland. Has campaigned across a wide range of social issues.
Dr Mark Harrold, Dublin North East: A clinical psychologist with St Michael's House, Dublin. A passionate speaker and writer on disability issues. Occasionally lectures in University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin.
Tom Ryan, Limerick East: Former Limerick hurling manager and probably the highest-profile candidate in the Alliance, he is also a businessman, dairy farmer and local radio presenter.
Heather Williams, Dún Laoghaire: Has had Multiple Sclerosis for 26 years and wants to raise awareness "of the issue of having a life after developing a disability" and to combat the "you can't do that syndrome" among doctors and others in authority.
Molly Buckley, Laois/Offaly: A public health nurse and a prominent figure in the Irish Wheelchair Association. Campaigns on issues in the field of human and civil rights, equality and access.
James Kennedy, Kerry North: A foster parent and fulltime worker for the Irish Wheelchair Association in Kerry, where he organises day resource centres. He is also chairperson of the Kerry branch of the Irish Foster Care Association.