Patricia Ryan Resigns from Sinn Féin Party

Patricia Ryan, a TD for Kildare South, has resigned from Sinn Féin ahead of the party's upcoming selection convention, citing feelings of isolation and censorship within the party. In a recent interview, Ryan expressed frustration over the leadership's lack of responsiveness to members' concerns regarding two recent referendums and criticized the practice of vetting questions submitted to party leadership. Sinn Féin Chief Whip Pádraig MacLochlainn expressed disappointment at Ryan's departure, emphasizing her value to the party, while indicating she was encouraged to seek nomination for the convention but chose not to. The party is facing internal challenges, compounded by a recent controversy involving a former employee, and Ryan's departure has raised questions about leadership and member engagement within Sinn Féin. Following her resignation, Ryan will continue to serve as an independent TD. The party is preparing for a contested convention with over 50 candidates already selected for the upcoming election.