Cork councillor leaves Sinn Féin following 'backhanded moves'

Danielle Twomey said she has felt she needed to take a break from politics 'for a long time'

Cllr Danielle Twomey announced at the end of October that she would not be running again.

A Sinn Féin councillor who recently announced she would not be seeking re-election has announced she is leaving the party.

Midleton-based Danielle Twomey tweeted that she would be carrying on as an independent for the remainder of her term.

She posted: "As of today I have resigned from the Sinn Féin party. I will continue my next few weeks as an independent with Cork County Council. This year has taught me to not allow yourself to be subject to environments that don’t respect you or value you. #lifeistooshort"

Ms Twomey announced at the end of October that she would not be running again, alluding to ongoing online harassment and alleged “undermining” from colleagues.

“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.