The Labour Party's long-time standard-bearer in Donegal North East, Cllr Sean Maloney, last night announced his resignation from the party and his intention to join Fine Gael.
The move appeared to surprise Labour as earlier this week he was selected to stand for the party in the forthcoming Seanad by-election.
On Highland Radio last Thursday Mr Maloney described as "silly-season rumours" speculation that he was contemplating resigning from the party. However, in a statement last night he said he believed "little difference of a substantial nature exists between the modern Labour Party and the modern Fine Gael party".
The decision to join Fine Gael was welcomed by the party's chairman in Donegal North East, Mr William Grant, who said Mr Maloney would greatly strengthen Fine Gael.
Mr Maloney, a Labour Party member of the Seanad from 1993 to 1997, polled almost 2,000 votes in the last general election.
Fine Gael has no TD in the three-seat constituency following the defeat of its long-time representative, Mr Paddy Harte. There was speculation in Donegal last night that Mr Maloney would be a future general election candidate for the party.
The constituency is represented by an Independent, Mr Harry Blaney, and Fianna Fail's Ms Cecilia Keaveney and the Minister for Tourism and Sport, Dr Jim McDaid.