Three Independent TDs are said to be close to finalising the establishment of a new political party.

A number of papers are reporting this morning that Catherine Murphy, Stephen Donnelly and Roisin Shortall are joining forces for the new group.

The Irish Times says Deputies Murphy and Donnelly have confirmed some talks have been taking place - while former Labour TD Shortall says she is keen to talk to people ahead of the next election.

The new grouping would compete with Lucinda Creighton's recently established Renua party, and an as yet unformed alliance of independent TDs and councillors being organised by Shane Ross.

Harry McGee is political correspondent with the Irish Times.

He told Newstalk Breakfast says details are scant, but there is an appetite there.