Nulty’s decision rattles Labour

LABOUR suffered a blow last week when Dublin West TD Patrick Nulty officially announced he was quitting the party.

Deputy Nulty described his decision as

“difficult

? while party leader Eamon Gilmore said he was

“not really surprised

? by the resignation.

The local TD was elected to the Dáil in a 2011 by-election but within weeks he was already at odds with the Labour leadership when he voted against the Budget and lost the party whip.

His resignation, which was followed shortly after by an announcement by two Wicklow councillors that they too had quit the party, raises questions about the futures of other Northside Labour representatives.

Dublin North West TD Roisin Shortall – who resigned as Minister of State following disagreements with Minister for Health James Reilly over the primary health care centre controversy – and Dublin North East’s Tommy Broughan are both at odds with the leadership, but still retain popular support locally.

The party could decide not to select any rebels to run at the next general election but with Labour predicted to lose several TDs that would be a risky strategy as both Shortall and Broughan would be favourites to retain their seats as Independents over any new party candidates.

Deputy Nulty’s decision to quit may force the party into making fresh efforts to pacify critical public representatives but any future change in direction will come too late for the Dublin West TD.

“I no longer believe that membership of the party is of any assistance in advancing the political ideas which form the cornerstone of my value system,

? he said.

“These ideas are social justice, equality and the creation of full employment with quality work in our society.

“I still have great regard for the many decent, hardworking Labour members, supporters and public representatives who share my thirst for a better Ireland.

?

Fianna Fail’s David McGuinness, who lost out in the 2011 by-election, called on Deputy Nulty to consider his position as a TD for the area following his resignation from Labour.