New president for Republican Sinn Féin

Republican Sinn Féin today elected a new president to succeed Ruairi O’Bradaigh, who has led the organisation for more than 20 years.

The veteran hard-line republican, 77, is retiring for health and age reasons.

His replacement Des Dalton, from Co Kildare, has been vice-president since 2003.

At the party’s ard fheis, Mr O’Bradaigh vowed to remain active in republican circles.

“Anno Domini catches up with us all, eventually,” he said.

“My turn has come to step down as president. I do so on the grounds of age and health.

“All in all, I am in my 60th year as an active member of the republican movement.”

A teacher by profession and originally from Co Longford, Mr O’Bradaigh founded the organisation after a split with Gerry Adams and his supporters 23 years ago, famously walking out of a party conference.

He has been appointed patron of the organisation.