The newly-elected Labour leader says she has no plans to formally merge the party with the Social Democrats.
Dublin Bay South TD Ivana Bacik was elected to the role as the only candidate put forward.
She told The Hard Shoulder she is focused on growing the party, and is not looking towards other groups.
"Where the job starts of growing the party is really to pick up on the messaging, on the communication and... really growing support for the values that we expressed so strongly in the by-election campaign last summer in Dublin Bay South.
"People want to see an alternative vision for Ireland that is based on Labour values of equality and solidarity and fairness.
"Despite all the predictions last summer, we showed that there was that appetite for an alternative vision - and that's what we want to grow.
"It's that centre-left, progressive politics".
'Centre-left, or a red-green, vision'
Asked if she would support a merger with the Social Democrats, she says she has no plans to make any formal arrangement.
"My focus is on growing Labour and on growing our party and building our message.
"I've a track record of working with colleagues from all parties and non.
"And certainly where parties or individuals share a centre-left vision, or a red-green vision - an environmentalist and social democratic vision - then of course we'll work with them.
"And work closely with them on issues that are common to us.
"But I don't envisage any more formal arrangement, certainly".
On proposals for a new middle income tax band, Ms Bacik says she has not seen the plans.
"I haven't seen that... We'll certainly look at it - Labour has always stood for fair and equitable tax system.
"We believe in the principle of redistribution of wealth and on ensuring, as I say, that taxes are fair or equitable.
"And also that wealth is taxed; we're conscious that property is the most populous form of wealth in the country".
