Farmers’ Alliance looses key member as it’s added to list of political parties

The Farmers’ Alliance lost one of its most high-profile members just days before it was announced it was to be added to the list of registered political parties.

On January 12, the Registrar of Political Parties gave notice of its intention to approve an application by the Farmers’ Alliance party to become a registered political party eligible to stand candidates in Ireland’s Dáil, local and European Parliament elections.

Following a 21-day appeal period, it was added as a political party on the updated Register of Political Parties on February 8.

However, Helen O’Sullivan announced she was resigning from the party on January 5, just days before news broke of its application approval.

O’Sullivan is one of two officers authorised to sign authentication certificates of candidates, according to the Register of Political Parties.

In a statement, she said she had left the group, which was formed last year, along with other “core members”.

“As spokesperson and co-founder of Farmers’ Alliance for the past one-and-a-half years, I am saddened to announce my departure from the movement that I tirelessly worked to create.”

However, she said that “due to fundamental disagreements at management and organisational level, it is no longer practical for me to continue with Farmers’ Alliance”.

O’Sullivan said she will now run as an Independent candidate for West Cork.

Party founder Liam McLaughlin, who is the other named officer authorised to sign authentication certificates of candidates, declined to comment when contacted.

It’s the 29th political party to be officially listed on the Register of Political Parties.

The group decided to form a political party last August after much indecision, with the ambition to run candidates in the upcoming local and national elections.

The group announced at the time it would form as a completely independent party with no connection to either the Rural Independent Group of TDs or to Michael Fitzmaurice’s proposed new rural political party.

The leader of the Dutch Farmer–Citizen Movement (BBB), Caroline van der Plas, urged the Farmers’ Alliance to form a political party and contest this year’s elections when she addressed them at a meeting in Athlone in April.

The Dutchwoman, whose mother hails from Waterford, said if they put aside their differences, the “citizens will back you”.

Her party won 15 out of 75 seats in local elections last March, but only won seven out of 150 seats in the November national elections.

Get ahead of the day with the morning headlines at 7.30am and Fionnán Sheahan’s exclusive take on the day’s news every afternoon, with our free daily newsletter.

News Related

OTHER NEWS

Paul Hosford: Helen McEntee's future depends on the streets of Dublin remaining peaceful

Paul Hosford: Helen McEntee’s future depends on the streets of Dublin remaining peaceful The issue of policing in Dublin has been thrown into sharp focus following the horrific stabbing of ... Read more »

Five hospitalised following 'serious' two vehicle road traffic collision

The collision occurred on Monday morning. (stock image) Five people have been hospitalised following a two vehicle road traffic collision on Monday. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the collision, ... Read more »

Challenge: Try to find the hidden cat in a very old building

Challenge: Try to find the hidden cat in a very old building (Photo: Reproduction/Reddit) Only people with advanced observation skills can identify the hidden cat in this very old building. ... Read more »

Man arrested following suspected cocaine seizure in Galway worth €56,000

A man has been arrested following a seizure of cocaine with a value of €56,000 in Galway on Sunday evening. Gardaí seized the drugs during a search at a residence ... Read more »

Parkinson's Disease Warning Signs: What To Look Out For

generic doctor image Overview A chronic and progressive movement disorder that initially causes tremor in one hand, stiffness or slowing of movement. Symptoms If you or someone you know is ... Read more »

Man caught with over €1M worth of cocaine in van has jail time doubled in appeal

A man who was caught with over €1 million in cocaine in a “sophisticated” operation where the drugs were hidden in a modified compartment in his van has had his ... Read more »

Fine Gael TD Fergus O'Dowd announces he will stand down after the next General Election

File image of Fine Gael TD Fergus O’Dowd. FINE GAEL TD Fergus O’Dowd has announced that he will stand down at the next General Election. O’Dowd started his political career ... Read more »
Top List in the World