The Independent Alliance has been in Government for one year, already longer than many observers predicted at the outset. How has it been doing? Very well, according to its five TDs. Led as ever by Shane Ross, they gave a press conference yesterday in which they proudly outlined their achievements and their undiminished belief in New Politics.

Pat Leahy and Hugh Linehan listen to some of what was said and assess the group's impact on the Irish political landscape.