Sinn Fein councillor quits party
Sinn Fein’s first councillor in Banbridge has unexpectedly resigned, the party has said.
Dessie Ward narrowly missed out on election to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2007 and was seen as a rising star in the party.
Sinn Fein chairperson Declan Kearney said he was “shocked” at Monday’s resignation.
“Only this morning Dessie was using party offices to carry out constituency work,” he said.
“I am extremely disappointed that Dessie did not take the time to come to the party and discuss his problems.”
Mr Kearney said Mr Ward should resign his council seat to allow a Sinn Fein member to be co-opted.
Mr Ward joined Sinn Fein aged 20 and had worked as a party press officer. He was elected to Banbridge District Council in 2005 at the age of 24.
