15 November 2001 Edition
Resignation of SF Cllr Brian MacUaid
Monaghan Sinn Féin County Councillor Brian MacUaid last week tendered his resignation both to Sinn Féin and to Monaghan County Council.
Brian MacUaid said that he took the decision in the light of his "absolute opposition to the direction in which Sinn Féin is being taken" by what he claimed was "a small group within the leadership". He thanked "comrades and fellow republicans throughout this county and further afield. I have built up great friendships over the years and look forward to these continuing. My sincere best wishes to the Sinn Féin councillors in Monaghan with whom I worked closely and hold a great deal of respect for."
Responding to MacUaid's resignation announcement, Cavan/Monaghan Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said:
"The resignation of Brian MacUaid from Sinn Féin and from Monaghan County Council is most regrettable. Brian has been a very valued colleague and a first-rate public representative. He has resigned because he no longer believes that the strategy of our party is reconcilable with his republican beliefs. I strongly disagree but I respect his decision and his conviction.
"The most recent initiative by republicans to save the peace process has caused real difficulties and real concerns for many people. Some have doubted the truth of that statement. The resignation of Brian MacUaid demonstrates the reality.
"The overwhelming majority of Sinn Féin members and supporters in Counties Monaghan and Cavan are united in their support for the party's engagement in the peace process. We are totally committed to real change and to the achievement of freedom, justice and lasting peace for all the people of this island. Our party in this constituency has been centrally involved in developing Sinn Féin's peace strategy and elected representatives and members are active participants in the process. That will continue to be the case as we move forward.
"I wish to record my appreciation of Brian MacUaid's contribution as an elected councillor both to the work of Sinn Fein in Co. Monaghan and in the service of the electorate of the Clones Electoral Area.
"I extend good wishes for the future to Brian, his wife Bridget and young family."
Brian MacUaid said that he took the decision in the light of his "absolute opposition to the direction in which Sinn Féin is being taken" by what he claimed was "a small group within the leadership". He thanked "comrades and fellow republicans throughout this county and further afield. I have built up great friendships over the years and look forward to these continuing. My sincere best wishes to the Sinn Féin councillors in Monaghan with whom I worked closely and hold a great deal of respect for."
Responding to MacUaid's resignation announcement, Cavan/Monaghan Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said:
"The resignation of Brian MacUaid from Sinn Féin and from Monaghan County Council is most regrettable. Brian has been a very valued colleague and a first-rate public representative. He has resigned because he no longer believes that the strategy of our party is reconcilable with his republican beliefs. I strongly disagree but I respect his decision and his conviction.
"The most recent initiative by republicans to save the peace process has caused real difficulties and real concerns for many people. Some have doubted the truth of that statement. The resignation of Brian MacUaid demonstrates the reality.
"The overwhelming majority of Sinn Féin members and supporters in Counties Monaghan and Cavan are united in their support for the party's engagement in the peace process. We are totally committed to real change and to the achievement of freedom, justice and lasting peace for all the people of this island. Our party in this constituency has been centrally involved in developing Sinn Féin's peace strategy and elected representatives and members are active participants in the process. That will continue to be the case as we move forward.
"I wish to record my appreciation of Brian MacUaid's contribution as an elected councillor both to the work of Sinn Fein in Co. Monaghan and in the service of the electorate of the Clones Electoral Area.
"I extend good wishes for the future to Brian, his wife Bridget and young family."