Nulty resigned over 'broken promises', as Gilmore insists he is not surprised

Former Labour TD Patrick Nulty says he has resigned from the party because they have rowed back on pre-election promises.

The Dublin West deputy, who was elected in the 2011 by-election after the death of Brian Lenihan, claims the leadership and the cabinet has brought the entire political system into disrepute.

Nulty has accused Labour of sacrificing their core principles for their own personal political ambitions.

He said: “This was difficult because I have been a member of the party for over a decade. However, it was necessary.

“I no longer believe that membership of the party is any assistance in advancing the political ideas which form the cornerstone of my value system. These ideas are social justice, equality and the creation of full employment with quality work in our society.”

Nulty also highlighted this week’s special education needs cuts as the most recent reason for his disenchantment with the party: “The most recent example of the government hitting the most vulnerable hardest is the announcement that children with special education needs will not receive the resource teaching hours they require next September.

“These are not the actions of a party that is acting in the interests of working people and a just economic recovery. That is why I have resigned. I am optimistic about the future of our country and I will continue campaigning for the radical change that is needed.”

The Tánaiste and Labour leader Eamon Gilmore, meanwhile, says he isn't surprised by Nulty's decision to resign from the party.

Speaking this morning, Gilmore said the Dublin West TD - who lost the party whip after refusing to vote for the budget in 2011 - had effectively resigned some time ago.

“The reality is the Labour party, in these difficult times, has a job to do in government…but I’m not surprised by his resignation.”

Roisin Shortall, Colm Keaveney, Tommy Broughan, and Willie Penrose and MEP Nessa Childers have all previously resigned the party whip.

In an additional development, two Wicklow Councillors have announced this morning that they are also stepping down from the Labour Party with immediate effect.

Councillors Tom Fortune and Barry Nevin called a press conference in Bray to outline their reasons for leaving.