The deputy leader of the Labour Party, Ms Liz McManus, has refused to elaborate on the decision of the party not to renew the membership of her former director of elections, Wicklow councillor Mr Tommy Cullen.
Mr Cullen, an outspoken critic of Wicklow County Council's handling of illegal dumping and planning issues, was director of elections for Ms McManus in the 2002 general election. Her election literature described him as a "fearless champion" and "dedicated worker" on behalf of the people of Wicklow.
Ms McManus said yesterday: "Tommy Cullen has not been a member of the Labour Party for three years." She added "no comment" to further questions.
Mr Cullen said his membership renewal was returned by party headquarters last May.
Local party sources said his difficulty may have arisen due to his campaigning attitude on issues such as Glen Ding. He was instrumental in having further plans to rezone Glen Ding struck down earlier this year.
He is one of a number of councillors being sued by the Wicklow county manager for legal costs of €120,000 in relation to a separate planning issue.
