In a shock announcement this afternoon, Galway West senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh has quit Sinn Féin, citing ‘unacceptable behaviour’ against him as the reason behind his decision.
Senator Ó Clochartaigh has been a senator since 2011 and a member of Sinn Féin since 2009, after being a member of the Labour Party for 12 years.
He was elected to the Seanad twice, but is now expected to run in the next general election as an independent candidate.
Deáscéala! Positive news! Boost for Sinn Féin as 20% say they’d be more likely to vote for party under new leader… https://t.co/kTKpYaT5Fz
— Trevor ÓClochartaigh (@trevorocSF) 25 November 2017
Ó Clochartaigh was in Barcelona recently as an observer of the disputed independence referendum.
Sinn Féin are yet to make a statement on Ó Clochartaigh’s resignation.