Killian Forde confirms to Politics.ie that he has resigned from Sinn Fein

[David Cochrane]

Hearing a few people this evening suggesting that Sinn Fein Dublin City Councillor Killian Forde has resigned from the party, taking his council seat with him.

Cllr Forde is a representative in the Donaghmede ward of Dublin City Council.

A report in the Evening Herald on Wednesday said that the party were preparing to "punish" him for voting for the City Council's budget.

Sinn Fein prepare to punish council rebel - National News, Frontpage - Herald.ie

I've heard from a few people over the past few months that Cllr Forde wasn't too happy being in SF and was rumoured to be looking at political alternatives - such as joining another party.

I've left a voicemail for him (his phone seems to be turned off), and hope to get full confirmation from this as soon as possible. But I've heard about this from three people so far, so think this worthy of attention, and as I'm not surprised by this turn of events, this what's I've heard from a few people is likely to have occured.

Update @ 22.32 - I've had confirmation from someone on behalf of Killian Forde to confirm exclusively to Politics.ie that he has resigned from Sinn Fein, but has no further comment to make at this time. A more comprehensive statement is expected tomorrow.

Update @ 23.00 - A member over on Slugger believes that Killian may be announcing that he's joining Labour tomorrow. Though their angle is that the story isn't the resignation from Sinn Fein, but the defection to another party (Labour).

Update @ 01.00 - Sinn Fein have now issued a statement commenting on Killian Forde's resignation - you can read it here.

Update Saturday @ 2pm, a Senior Labour member has confirmed to me that Killian will be joining the Labour party.

[Podolski1.5]

Well they were very slow acting after he went against the party decision to oppose the estimates and actually was the main proposer of the move. Larry O'Toole issued a statement before Christmas which showed a clear split with Cllr. Forde.Sinn Féin is opposed to Dublin City Council budget for 2010 - O'Toole | Sinn Féin Wonder when they'll act against others who took similar positions, such as Cllr. David Cullinane in Waterford?

[mmrebel]

This is the least of SF;s worries this weekend if rumors doing the rounds about a story going to appear in the one of the Sundays is to be believed

[David Cochrane]

This is the least of SF;s worries this weekend if rumors doing the rounds about a story going to appear in the one of the Sundays is to be believed

The Sunday World one? Perhaps, but stay on topic here please.

[liamfoley]

Is he going to sit with Christy? How many SF will be left?

[longerpig]

whats happening in the sunday world?

[David Cochrane]

whats happening in the sunday world?

I said stay on topic, please.

[liamfoley]

Is this a sign that SF are imploding in the Capital. There was great disappointment after ML failed to get the Euro seat. Any chance of a move against Gerry?

[pd_phoenix]

Is this a sign that SF are imploding in the Capital. There was great disappointment after ML failed to get the Euro seat. Any chance of a move against Gerry?

he'd have to get elected here first!

[disgruntledcitizen]

I said stay on topic, please.

thats a fair enough comment, but perhaps you could either delete the original derailing comment or spin it to a new thread, but asking people not to talk about "the even bigger news than a SF councilor resigning " is probably pointless