Sinn Féin politician to quit party
A senior member of Sinn Féin is to quit the party before new Assembly elections in Northern Ireland, it emerged today.
John Kelly, a Mid Ulster member of the Stormont parliament before its collapse, announced he would not be standing as a candidate again.
Mr Kelly, a 66-year-old veteran republican who was once jailed for IRA membership, built a reputation as a champion of the Trade Union movement.
But it is believed tensions have developed among Sinn Féin members on Magherafelt District Council where he has served since 1997.
A motion tabled by republicans on the local authority earlier this week, surrounding alleged security force collusion in loyalist paramilitary murders, foundered when members were split evenly. Mr Kelly failed to turn up for the meeting.
With a new poll to the Assembly expected to be called within days, he has confirmed he would not be running.
In a statement he said: “For personal and other reasons I am withdrawing my name as Sinn Féin candidate for Mid Ulster in the predicted Assembly election.
“For similar personal and other reasons I will not be continuing my membership of Sinn Féin.”
Mr Kelly, who underwent triple heart bypass surgery last year, was unavailable today for further comment.
But a Sinn Féin spokesman said: “John had an exemplary record as an Assembly member.
“Ill health has undoubtedly played a part in this decision.
“We hope Mid Ulster can move on and find a candidate of similar stature.”
During his time at Stormont Mr Kelly sat on the health, employment and learning, and culture committees.
The former seaman was acquitted in 1970 of a charge of illegally importing weapons amid allegations of an Irish government plot to arm Catholics in Northern Ireland.
Three years later he was imprisoned for six months in Dublin for IRA membership.
Sinn Féin is understood to favour promoting a female candidate to stand in Mr Kelly’s place.
Despite his impressive record, others who dealt with him claimed they were not surprised by his decision.
“He probably decided to jump before people decided to put it to him that it was time to stand down,” said one source.
“He must have seen the writing on the wall.”
