David Hall confirms talks on new parties with Creighton, Donnelly

Mortgage campaigner David Hall has confirmed he has held separate meetings with Independent TDs Lucinda Creighton and Stephen Donnelly about setting up new parties but has expressed frustration at a lack of progress.

Mr Hall, who unsuccessfully contested the Dublin West Dáil byelection in May, said he had held multiple conversations about the establishment of a fresh political movement.

“I met with Lucinda and Stephen separately. I don’t know what their intentions are as of yet. I don’t think they have made any definite decisions yet, but discussions are still ongoing,” he said.

Mr Hall is best known as the founder of the Irish Mortgage Holders’ Organisation, an advocacy group for distressed borrowers.

Speaking to The Irish Times today, he made clear he felt the time was right for like-minded politicians and aspiring candidates to unite as the general election approaches.

“I’ve had multiple conversations with various people in respect of a new party with a common objective to bring about real change,” he said.

“It’s proven very frustrating, firstly in relation to funding such a movement and secondly in relation to various hints, rumours and stories people are floating around different intentions that now need to come to an end.”

Mr Hall called for clarity ahead of the general election, which will be held in early April 2016 at the latest.

“A simple message needs to be given about what (the) intentions are. People from outside the political establishment are losing patience,” he said.

“The public has an expectation. People would like to see people with a track record of getting things done getting on and moving on and giving the public a clear understanding of what options and alternatives will be presented to them.”

Ms Creighton, who represents Dublin South East, is a leading member of the Reform Alliance, a group of former Fine Gael parliamentarians who were expelled from the parliamentary party for voting against the whip.

In June, Wicklow TD Mr Donnelly gave a strong hint he would join a political party ahead of the next general election, saying his capacity to implement change was limited as an Independent

The intentions of Independent TD Shane Ross are also being speculated on, after he wrote to Independent councillors suggesting the formation of an alliance.