The Anti-Austerity Alliance and People Before Profit have formally launched their new electoral block.

They are now officially on the Register of Political Parties in the hope that together they can get at least seven TDs elected and give them greater rights in the Dáil.

They will remain as two separate organisations, but together they hope to run at least 30 candidates in 27 constituencies.

Deputy Richard Boyd-Barrett says they want to get a new voice for the left.

The parties have ruled out getting involved in a coalition with Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil or Labour.

And Deputy Ruth Coppinger says opposing water charges will be one of their key platforms.