Expected councillor’s defection ‘a betrayal’

THE expected defection of a prominent Fianna Fáil councillor to Fine Gael has prompted colleagues to accuse her of betrayal.

It is anticipated Cllr Deirdre Forde will officially resign from FF within the next 24 hours and contest the forthcoming local elections in Co Cork under the main opposition party’s banner. Talks between Ms Forde and FG leader Enda Kenny are believed to be at an advanced stage and were facilitated by Simon Coveney TD.

Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe said Ms Forde was a very capable councillor and he wanted her to stay with FF.