Chris Andrews joins Sinn Féin
Former Fianna Fáil TD Chris Andrews has joined Sinn Féin.
The former deputy for Dublin South East (2007-2011) left the party last year saying he had become 'disillusioned'.
Mr Andrews is the grandson of Todd Andrews, a leading figure in the early days of Fianna Fáil. His father Niall Andrews and his uncle David Andrews both served as Fianna Fáil TDs, while his first cousin, Barry Andrews was elected a TD at the 2002 general election.
In a statement this afternoon, Andrews says the decision to join Sinn Féin "was not an easy one" but that he is "willing to change personally and politically".
“The problems that Ireland faces require a major political and economic change. I do not believe that such change can be delivered through Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael or Labour. Nor can it be delivered by 'Independents'," he said.
“Joining a new party was not an easy decision for me as my family has been involved in Fianna Fáil since its foundations.
"But it has become very clear to me that the party no longer represented the ideals or values of its founders including my grandfather."
Sinn Fein Party Whip Aengus Ó Snódaigh TD welcomed Mr Andrews' decision.
"I have known Chris for a long time and regard him a person genuinely committed to building a better country for all our citizens," Deputy Ó Snódaigh said.
