A national conference exclusively for Independent politicians and aspiring independent candidates is to be held in Athlone on Saturday, February 28th.

Organised and supported by Independent MEPs Marian Harkin and Kathy Sinnott the conference will feature independent politicians Senator Joe O’Toole and Finian McGrath TD while the current turmoil in the financial world will be addressed by UCD economist Professor Ray Kinsella.

Strategies for winning a seat using modern technology and the prospects for producing cost effective promotional literature will be covered while the prospects for independents to develop a permanent seat in the Seanad will also feature.

“We believe that independent politicians can do a great deal to support each other in progressing  the independent voice in Irish politics and in gaining deserved recognition and respect for our mandate which comes fourth behind the three main political parties”, Marian Harkin MEP said.