A Co Fermanagh Sinn Féin representative has resigned from the party and has joined the Socialist Party.
Cllr Domhnall Ó Cobhthaigh, who has served on Fermanagh District Council for the past two years, announced his resiganation from the party at a press conference today.
Cllr Ó Cobhthaigh said he could no longer remain in Sinn Féin as it was now part of an Assembly Executive which he said is “implementing cuts, job losses and privatising public services”.
Welcoming Mr Ó Cobhthaigh to the Socialist Party, Joe Higgins Socialist Party MEP for Dublin said: "We warmly welcome Domhnall as a valuable member of the Socialist Party and look forward to building a genuine socialist alternative in Fermanagh for working people and youth.”
In a statement issued by Mr Ó Cobhthaigh today, he outlined his reasons for resigning from Sinn Féin
“I have decided to resign from Sinn Fein after a period of careful reflection. Over the past twelve years I have worked tirelessly to develop Sinn Féin as an engine of change. Leaving is a very difficult decision given the many friends I am leaving behind in the party.
“Over the past year, I have come to understand that the Assembly system itself only reinforces the sectarian divisions within our society. All five mainstream parties are doing little more than overseeing the long-term administration of senior civil servants and their right-wing agenda."
"While I still have the greatest of respect for many of my former colleagues within Sinn Féin, I cannot see how they will change this significantly in the context of the current framework of governance.
“Having looked around I am convinced that the Socialist Party offers a platform from which to build such campaigns and is determined to achieve fundamental change in the way society is organised. I am now committed to working alongside party members in building the party in Fermanagh to struggle alongside workers and our communities at every possibility.”