A manifesto for the independents

Independents are traditionally seen as acting on the fringes of government. But they can govern from the middle too, writes Lucinda Creighton.

If there is one clear message emanating from the aftermath of the local and European elections, the by-elections, and the mass demonstrations against water charges, it is that democracy works.

A year ago, you would have been laughed out of Leinster House for suggesting that the government looked unlikely to be re-elected. The economic figures were improving, Ireland was on the verge of exiting the bailout, and there was talk of the end ...