There has always been a strong tradition of independent representation in Irish politics at all levels but it has been ignored a little in the past because of a lack of cohesiveness.

The significant increase in the number of Independent TDs in the Dáil and growing cooperation on areas of mutual interest has given this group a slightly more homogenous feel.

Allied to that has been the steady progress of small left-wing parties that have filled the void left by the Workers Party and Democratic Left (albeit from slightly different traditions of socialist thought).

We have also seen another phenomenon in recent years: alliances that have grown up around individual politicians such as Michael Lowry, the Healy-Raes, Shane Ross, the late Tony Gregory and Finian McGrath. All have made substantial progress in this election.

People Before Profit has made significant breakthroughs in urban centres. It now will have new councillors in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, Cork and Dublin, where the likes of Tina McVeigh and Sonya Stapleton have made the breakthrough.

Similarly the Socialist Party and the Anti-Austerity Alliance have performed strongly in Dublin and Cork. Its big headline victory was Ruth Coppinger's solid win in the Dublin West byelection but the party also gained council seats in urban areas. In some councils, they could find themselves close to positions of control.

Those breakthroughs suggest the combined number of TDs representing both parties could be close to double digits in the next general election.

Cooperating with each other may be a different proposition.