Midleton-based councillor to step back after 'worst week and a half' of her life

Sinn Féin's Danielle Twomey said she has been left heartbroken after witnessing the devastation caused to families caused by floods

Sinn Féin's Danielle Twomey: 'The last year I’ve experienced issues relating to my position that has made me question whether this is the right career for me.' Picture: David Keane

A Midleton-based councillor has announced that she will not run in the next local elections following the ”worst week and a half“ of her professional career and personal life.

Sinn Féin councillor for East Cork Danielle Twomey said she has been left heartbroken after witnessing the devastation caused to families caused by floods.

She also alluded to ongoing online harassment and alleged “undermining” from colleagues which resulted in her decision to step back.

“The recent floods have really made me realise what is most important and I need to now give my all or nothing to my family for a while,” she said.

Ms Twomey said she has felt she needed to take a break from politics “for a long time” having missed big family moments such as first steps adding that recent events have made the decision easier for her.

“The last year I’ve experienced issues relating to my position that has made me question whether this is the right career for me, from online harassment, that still continues, to undermining and backhanded moves from certain members of my own party against me,” she wrote on Facebook.

Ms Twomey who has served for eight years said online harassment has impacted her mental health while also tarnishing her experience in politics.

“I will continue in the seat until the new year and hope that the party will be in a position to co-opt someone. I will then give that person my full support to build their profile and guide them in supporting you all to the best of their ability,” she said.

Ms Twomey said she will no doubt return to politics however her heart is in activism and her local community for now.

The Midleton-based councillor has previously spoken out about “vicious lies” spread about her and “relentless” alleged harassment which have made her feel unsafe and afraid.