A Sinn Féin TD in Cork says she's not standing in the general election - blaming her decision on the actions of a group of local party activists.
Cork East Deputy, Sandra McLellan says her work has been persistently undermined by a small number of Sinn Féin members in the constituency.
“I was asked to reconsider my position on this, which I undertook to do. However, I have decided not to contest the upcoming election for Sinn Féin," said Ms McLellan in her statement.
“Over the period I have served as a TD, my efforts were consistently and persistently undermined by a small number in the constituency that called themselves members of Sinn Féin.
“I did everything in my power to provide good representation in both the constituency and Leinster House,” said Ms McLellan, who said she will continue to work as TD until the end of the Dail term.
“It has been an honour to represent the people of Youghal and East Cork as a Sinn Fein TD over the last number of years,” she said, thanking family, friends and many in Sinn Féin who stood by her.
The Sinn Féin organisation in the constituency has already been at the centre of controversy this year.
Last June, one of its local councillors was expelled from the party and another suspended following an internal inquiry.
