By Cate McCurry, PA
Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley has resigned from the party, it has been reported.
He has been a TD for Laois-Offaly since 2011 and was first elected to Laois County Council in 1999.
Mr Stanley, who is also chairperson of the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, said he is ending his 40-year association with the party and will remain as an independent “Republican TD”.
In a statement issued to Laois Today, Mr Stanley said his decision follows a “complaint” that was made about him that led to an internal party inquiry.
He questioned the party’s process, claiming it “lacked objectivity” and it was “seriously flawed”.
He added: “Considering what I have experienced and how Sinn Féin has dealt with this and other matters across the wider party in recent months, I can no longer have confidence in it.”
His resignation comes days after Kildare South TD Patricia Ryan announced she had left the party.
Ms Ryan said that her resignation was in response to the party “undermining” her.
Sinn Féin has been contacted for comment.
