Laois Sinn Féin TD express sadness at councillor's decision to resign from the party

Laois Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley and his wife, Sinn Féin Councillor, Caroline Dwane Stanley, expressed sadness at Cllr Aidan Mullin’s decision to leave the party. 

Cllr Mullins, who has served as a Sinn Féin Councillor in Laois for over a decade, announced his resignation from the party today. 

He says the party has lost touch with the electorate.  When a complaint from a party member over a number of his social media posts resulted in a three month suspension, Cllr Mullins decided to leave the party and continue in his role as an Independent. 

In a joint statement, Deputy Stanley and Cllr Dwane Stanley spoke of their sadness at Cllr Mullin’s departure. 

“It is with regret and sadness that we received this decision from  Aidan Mullins in the past number of days to leave the Party.

Aidan has been a valued friend and colleague of us both. We worked very well together as a team for a long number of years to represent the interests of  constituents,” they said. 

“We wish Aidan, Helen and the family good health and all the best in the future,” Dep Stanley and Cllr Dwane Stanley concluded. 

Their sentiments were echoed by Sinn Féin representative and candidate in the recent local elections, Aaron Kelly, who paid tribute to Cllr Mullins on social media. 

“I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to my good friend Aidan Mullins for his exceptional service and dedication to our community as a Sinn Féin councillor. His leadership, vision, and commitment have made a profound difference in the lives of those he has served and will continue to serve as an Independent going forward,” said Mr Kelly. 

“Throughout his time in the party, Aidan has exemplified the values of public service and republicanism, always prioritising the needs of the community and striving for positive change. His ability to advocate for important issues and bring people together is a testament to his character and I have learned so much from him over the years.

While I will certainly miss his insight and guidance within Sinn Féin, his legacy will continue to inspire those of us who remain representing the party at local level.

Wishing Aidan all the best in his future endeavours as an Independent councillor for the Graiguecullen/Portarlington LEA.  GRMA Aidan,” Mr Kelly concluded.