A number of Independent TDs - including Shane Ross - are meeting in Tullamore Co. Offaly today, to consider their plans for the next general election.
They are hoping to form an alignment of independents behind common principles and priorities.
Five independent TDs are hosting this event in the Midlands, aimed at exploring the possibility of broadening the number of independent TDs in the Dáil.
Finian McGrath, Michael Fitzmaurice, Tom Fleming, Shane Ross, and John Halligan have invited more than 50 independent councillors to the meeting.
They will be attempting to agree on a set of principles which they can all stand behind in a general election.
This is not the formation of a political party - rather an informal alliance of like-minded independents.
The discussion is closed to the media, but a press conference will be held afterwards.