The TDs who were expelled from Fine Gael for voting against the abortion bill have again denied they are planning to set up a new party.

The Reform Alliance insists it is simply a "group of like-minded independents" who want to achieve the same things.

The comments come as the group publishes a document on political reform - including an overhaul of the whip system and linking TDs' wages to economic performance.

The Alliance says the party whip system - which forces TDs to vote along party lines - is "strangling creativity".

One of the group founders, Denis Naughten, says he is not rejoining Fine Gael but insists there are no plans to become a full political party.

Alliance member Billy Timmins says some ministers feel trapped in Cabinet - and would love a chance to get out.