Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Hanna quits SDLP whip in row over FF
ONE of the SDLP’S most high-profile members has resigned the party whip in protest at its partnership with Fianna Fail.
Claire Hanna is also quitting as the party’s Brexit spokesperson.
The South Belfast MLA believes the link-up with the Republic’s Opposition party, which was endorsed at the weekend, is at odds with the SDLP’S social democratic policies.
Reacting to Ms Hanna’s decision yesterday, party leader Colum Eastwood said: “It is with regret that we accept Claire’s resignation.
“The party membership has democratically spoken and, difficult though that decision may be for some, their wishes must be respected and enacted.”