“Not for me”: Timmons quits Labour

Labour councillor Francis Timmons has left the party – just months after joining.

Timmons, who has been elected to South Dublin County Council three times as an independent (including a poll-topping performance in Clondalkin last June) joined Labour last October and was their candidate in Dublin Mid-West in November’s general election.

Timmons finished ninth out of a field of 17 candidates and in pure numbers, secured Labour’s best result in the seat since the 2011 general election when the party returned two TDs.

With 4.8% of first preferences, Timmons was eliminated on the eighth count, enough to better Labour’s previous performance in the seat in the 2019 by-election and 2020 by-election.

Despite being bumped up to a five-seater, it was independent Paul Gogarty who was the beneficiary of the added seat, with his victory coming at the expense of Fine Gael’s Vicki Casserly, Social Democrats councillor Eoin Ó Broin People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny and Timmons.

Timmons said, “in the recent general election I was asked to run for the Labour Party and agreed to be the candidate for Dublin Mid-West; I want to thank the Lucan and Clondalkin Labour branches, but since the election and after consultation with my long-time supporters, I have decided to return to the council as an independent councillor.”

He said, “I wish Labour well but it’s not for me, I will continue to work with elected members from all parties and none including Labour.”

“After consideration, I feel the best way for me to represent my community is as an Independent. I topped the poll in this year’s local election and will continue to work hard for the people who have put their trust in me.”

Timmons explained, “I have been independent for ten years and my few weeks in the Labour Party has led me to the conclusion that being independent is the best route for me in local politics.”

“I intend to work hard for the rest of my term in local government and am busy planning the many community events I am known for including the Clondalkin St. Patrick’s Day parade, Clondalkin Festival and Creative Clondalkin.”

Speaking last October when he was announced as a Labour general election candidate, Timmons said “the history and values of Labour as a progressive centre-left party are ones I share.  I have also admired Labour’s determination in driving social change in Ireland for decades, having led the way in divorce, marriage equality and many other social reforms.”

”Now more than ever, we need a strong voice so we can come together to shape policies that makes Ireland a fairer, kinder, better place.,” he said at the time.

TImmons received the backing of party leader Ivana Bacik, who said she was “delighted” with Timmons’ arrival.

“Francis is a tireless worker for his community and has campaigned for a more tolerant, equal and fair society.  It’s really positive to see experienced, dedicated public representatives like Francis joining the party as we seek to build a better Ireland.”