The dissident Sinn Fein councillor, Mr Francie Mackey, has resigned from the party over its political direction, writes Suzanne Breen. Mr Mackey, from Omagh, Co Tyrone, is a member of the 32 County Sovereignty Committee. He joined the committee six months ago and has been critical of the Sinn Fein leadership.
He was suspended from the party in March and barred from its ardfheis. His suspension was until September. However, Mr Mackey said it would be "hypocritical" for him to remain in Sinn Fein. He would continue on the council as an independent.
