He has been nominated by the Anti-Austerity Alliance.
While members of the Dáil are currently in the process of electing a new Ceann Comhairle, the Anti-Austerity Alliance/People Before Profit have officially put forward Richard Boyd-Barrett as their nominee for Taoiseach.
Boyd-Barrett is likely to be joined by Enda Kenny (Fine Gael), Micheál Martin (Fianna Fáil) and Gerry Adams (Sinn Féin) later today.
TD Bríd Smith revealed that it was a statement of intent from the group.
She said the nomination will “emphasise that a new left is rising in Ireland and that there is now a real left wing option for people.
“We are highlighting that there is an historic opportunity to move beyond the failed civil war politics of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil and to outline an alternative vision for Ireland.”
She added: “We are not under any illusions that Richard will be elected as Taoiseach – rather this is a statement of intent.”
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