TD STEPHEN DONNELLY UNDECIDED ON HIS FUTURE

DEPUTY TO DISCUSS OPTIONS WITH SUPPORTERS AFTER LEAVING SOCIAL DEMOCRATS

Wicklow TD Stephen Donnelly has left the Social Democrats party and is said to be considering whether or not to join another political party or to revert to Independent status.

In a statement released on Monday, Deputy Donnelly said that the partnership he had with parliamentary colleagues Catherine Murphy and Roisín Shortall, with whom he founded the party last year, did not work.

‘My decision is based on the fact that for the Social Democrats to achieve its potential as a party of significant influence and scale, despite the many obstacles new parties face, one critical component is that the leadership team must function very well together as a team. In spite of everyone’s best efforts, I have concluded that our partnership did not have that. I further believe that this would be the case whether the leadership had continued to be shared or was vested in one person, which was not something I or anyone else had sought,’ he said.

Deputy Donnelly, who is in his second Dáil term and who topped the Wicklow poll in the last General Election, said that he will be consulting with supporters in Wicklow and East Carlow on the best way forward.

In response to his announcement, a statement from the Social Democrats expressed disappoint- ment at Deputy Donnelly’s departure.

‘We are disappointed that he has decided to walk away from the project we undertook to establish and build the party. As is the case across the globe, the defence of social democratic values is not dependent on one personality or politician – but rather is a collective pursuit. Since the Social Democrats were first founded, in July 2015, we have worked to build the party brick-by-brick. This is a long term project which requires dedication, hard work, long hours and a major commitment from all involved, including our elected representatives. The levels of dedication required for such a major undertaking can be overwhelming for some.’

Social Democrats member Cllr Jennifer Whitmore, who sits on Wicklow County Council, said that she too was disappointed to learn of the departure of her colleague and friend.

‘I have worked closely with Stephen for five years and I will miss him as a valuable colleague. Ultimately, we all have to do what we feel is right,’ she said.

Cllr Whitmore reaffirmed her commitment to the Social Democrats and said that ‘no one person is bigger than the party’.

‘I believe in the party and that there is a strong need for a social democratic party in Ireland. It will continue to grow and I am committed to it.’

Cllr Whitmore also played down speculation that she will be positioned to run against her former colleague in the next General Election.

‘I’m sure the Social Democrats will want to run a candidate in Wicklow but it is very early days and nothing has been discussed. I don’t think it’s helpful at this early stage,’ Cllr Whitmore said.

Attempts by this newspaper to contact Deputy Donnelly were unsuccessful.