Labour's planned "betrayal" of working people by again entering coalition meant there was space for a new left-wing political grouping, according to Independent TD Séamus Healy.
Launching a process of discussion towards the establishment of a new party yesterday, Mr Healy said he wanted various individuals and organisations to consider whether to join a "regroupment" of left-wing forces.
He said he has had talks over the past 12 months with such groups. They were not launching a new political party at this point but were seeking "to start a discussion in relation to a regroupment of individuals and organisations on the left.
"There is a necessity to start a discussion which might arrive at the creation of a new independent party to represent working people around the country."
Mr Healy said they had not had talks with other Independent deputies of the left such as Tony Gregory and Finian McGrath.
Meanwhile Independent Dublin City councillor Joan Collins said it was "a tragedy" that Labour had spurned the opportunity it was given by last year's local election results.
"Fianna Fáil got a hammering, and there was potential for eroding the base of Fianna Fáil at the next general election."
There had been a swing away from Fianna Fáil to Labour, Sinn Féin and Independents such as herself.
"But rather than see Labour standing before councils and put forward their alternative policies we got backroom deals on mayorships and on who would get this or that committee."
She could now see Fianna Fáil being returned to power as there was "no representation for working people on the ground" being provided by Labour.