Former Sinn Fein councillor in East Cork joins Social Democrats

Danielle Twomey has joined the Social Democrats

A former Sinn Féin councillor in East Cork has confirmed she has joined the Social Democrats.

Midleton-based Danielle Twomey announced last December that she was leaving Sinn Féin, but confirmed on Saturday evening that she had switched party to the Social Democrats.

New party colleague Liam Quaide posted on social media: “I'm delighted to say that my former council colleague Danielle Twomey has joined the Social Democrats and will be part of my general election campaign.

“Danielle earned huge respect as a dynamic and extremely hard-working public representative in East Cork over the last eight years, and it's an honour to have her support.” 

Reposting from Mr Quaide, Ms Twomey said: “The secret is out and the political bandaid has been ripped off, back to what I love, and supporting a brilliant candidate and a party I can truly believe in.” 

She had announced last October that she would not be running as a local election candidate again, alluding to ongoing online harassment and alleged “undermining” from Sinn Fein colleagues.

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 a child's first steps, adding that recent events had made the decision easier for her.