Former Labour TD Declan Bree has refused to run for the party in Sligo-North Leitrim in the next general election. Mr Bree, who has contested every general election since 1981, said he won't run again for Labour while Pat Rabbitte is leader.
The decision has sparked speculation that Mr Bree will run as an Independent against whoever Labour nominates. Asked yesterday if he will take this course, Mr Bree said he had "no comment". But he agreed that there was considerable pressure on him from supporters to run as an Independent for the Dáil. Mr Bree's name is not among three to be considered for nomination tomorrow at a Labour Party selection convention in Sligo town.
The candidate will be chosen from Sligo councillors Jim McGarry and Veronica Cawley and Co Leitrim-based party activist Gabriel McSharry.
Mr Bree has been at loggerheads with the party leadership since he clashed earlier this year with Ms Cawley and Mr McGarry over proposals for a new halting site for Travellers in Sligo. He was disciplined, although not penalised, by Labour headquarters. Mr Rabbitte now faces a party disciplinary hearing after Mr Bree complained the leader had accused him of abusing his position as mayor of Sligo during the halting site controversy. Mr Bree said yesterday that there might also be court proceedings. He added: "Given the significant and increasing difficulties I have with the party leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte, I believe it would not be credible for me to accept a nomination to stand as a candidate while Mr Rabbitte remains as leader of the Labour Party." Mr Bree first ran for the Dáil as an Independent Socialist 24 years ago. When the party merged with Labour he won a seat in 1992 and held it until 1997. He failed to win the seat in subsequent elections. He was mayor for a year until last June.