Sinn Féin in emergency meetings

Sinn Féin is set to hold emergency meetings with grassroots members “over the next few days” to quell anger over its axing of two prominent councillors.

However, the TD at the centre of the dispute — Sandra McLellan — is not expected to speak to the members, despite being heavily involved in the scandal.

On Monday, Sinn Féin confirmed it had expelled Cobh-based Cork County Council member Kieran McCarthy and had suspended Mallow-Kanturk councillor Melissa Mullane for 12 months due to an internal party crisis.

Mr McCarthy was expelled for financial issues, relating to a credit union loan for his 2014 local election campaign, and other matters, while Ms Mullane was suspended for “uncomradely behaviour” towards Ms McLellan.

The decisions were made after an internal inquiry into wider Cork east claims of a bullying campaign against Ms McLellan and criticism of the first-time TD’s performance.

The inquiry ruling has led to claims Sinn Féin activists will resign en masse in the constituency, in protest at the expulsion and resignation.

While the party says it has received no confirmation of this, it is organising the “information” meetings to explain the reasons for the decisions.

A spokesman for the party said the meetings would take place in Cork City and in east Cork. He said it would be led by Cork North Central TD Jonathan O’Brien, but could not say if Ms McLellan would take part. Meanwhile, the party has denied suggestions Ms McLellan told officials she would resign if they did not back her.