Peadar Tóibín has announced he's resigning from Sinn Féin.
It follows his suspension from the party for voting against the abortion legislation.
He's said in a statement this afternoon:
"It is with a heavy heart that I resign from Sinn Féin today. I have been a member of the party for 21 years. In that time I poured all my efforts into achieving Irish Unity & Economic Justice. This clearly is no longer enough. I will now help to build a new 32 County movement."
Deputy Tóibín says he's considering creating a new political party in which he can openly share the views, which he says allowed him too become marginalised by Sinn Féin.
He says a number of Fianna Fail TDs have shown interest in joining the party.
Toibin says he's already gotten phone calls off disaffected Sinn Féiner's, and alot of people from Fianna Fail.
According to the Deputy, they've grown frustrated with Michael Martin effectively giving "Two fingers to the membership on so many different issues", and are desperately crying out for some sort of platform to allow them work for the objectives they have.
It is with a heavy heart that I resign from Sinn Féin today. I have been a member of the party for 21 years. In that time I poured all my efforts into achieving Irish Unity & Economic Justice. This clearly is no longer enough. I will now help to build a new 32 County movement. pic.twitter.com/RqzimdR8Zp
— Peadar Tóibín (@Toibin1) November 15, 2018
Meanwhile, the leader of Sinn Féin has responded to Tóibín's resignation.
Mary Lou McDonald has said "Peadar was a valued member of the party."
The party president went on to say "Sinn Féin is home to a diversity of views."
She also singled out Deputy Tóibín's stance on abortion - the Meath West TD campaigned for a No vote in the referendum to repeal the 8th amendment, despite Sinn Fein backing a Yes vote.
"All Sinn Féin elected representatives are bound by the decisions of the Ard Fheis. The people voted to repeal the eighth Amendment. There is a responsibility on all Sinn Féin TDs to give effect to the people’s vote and to represent Sinn Féin policy. Unfortunately Peadar was unable to do this and was suspended from the party and has now taken the decision to resign. I wish Peadar and his family well for the future."
