Independent TD Mattie McGrath has expressed an interest in signing up to a new party headed by Roscommon/South Leitrim deputy Michael Fitzmaurice.

The Tipperary TD confirmed he had held talks about a fresh political grouping with fellow Independent Mr Fitzmaurice.

"We have discussed it. There's a dire need, a yearning for a new party or group or whatever because Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the others have failed," Mr McGrath said.

“There’s a need for some kind of group or party with no whip on social issues, maybe on budgetary things.”

Expressing interest

The former Fianna Fáil TD told The Irish Times he called Mr Fitzmaurice last night to express an interest in his proposal.

“I think it’s a good idea. I rang him last night saying, ‘Where would I get a membership form?’ and he got a great kick out of that.

“It’s time for change and we need change.”

Meanwhile, Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has said all the new parties that are being planned should get up and running as soon as possible so their policies can be analysed.

Competition ‘good’

“Competition’s a good thing and as a party Fine Gael always favours competition,” the Fine Gael Minister said.

“I think now we’re talking about at least three different new parties and I think the sooner they’re established the better so that we can analyse what their policy programmes are that’s really new and different.”

He was speaking at Temple Street Children’s Hospital this morning.

Leading member of the Reform Alliance Lucinda Creighton is working on establishing a new right-of-centre party in the new year.

Dublin South TD Shane Ross has said plans are reaching an advanced stage for the formation of a new independent alliance comprised of at least four deputies as well as dozens of non-party councillors drawn from across the 40 constituencies.

In the latest development, Mr Fitzmaurice is expected to run 25 candidates nationwide.