In a stunning political development that has sent shockwaves through Irish politics, veteran MEP Billy Kelleher has dramatically resigned from Fianna Fáil after four decades of membership. The Cork native delivered a devastating blow to the party leadership, declaring that Fianna Fáil has "lost its way" under Taoiseach Micheál Martin's stewardship.
A Political Earthquake in Dublin
The resignation comes as a particularly bitter pill for the party, given Mr Kelleher's prominent position as one of Fianna Fáil's four Members of the European Parliament. His departure represents a significant loss of political capital and experience from the party's ranks.
In his resignation statement, Mr Kelleher didn't mince words, stating he could "no longer reconcile my political beliefs with the direction the party has taken in recent years." This public repudiation from such a senior figure threatens to undermine Taoiseach Martin's authority at a critical time.
Forty Years of Service Ends Abruptly
Mr Kelleher's political journey with Fianna Fáil spans an impressive forty years, making his departure all the more significant. Having served as a TD for Cork North-Central from 1997 to 2020 before transitioning to European politics, his institutional knowledge and experience represented a valuable asset to the party.
The timing of this resignation couldn't be more awkward for Fianna Fáil, as the party prepares for crucial local and European elections. Losing an MEP of Mr Kelleher's stature so close to these contests represents a substantial organisational and reputational blow.
Leadership Under Fire
While Mr Kelleher stopped short of directly calling for Micheál Martin's resignation, his comments about the party's direction under the Taoiseach's leadership speak volumes. The resignation raises serious questions about internal party unity and suggests deepening divisions within Fianna Fáil's parliamentary team.
Political analysts are now watching closely to see whether Mr Kelleher's departure will trigger further defections or whether it represents an isolated protest against the party's current trajectory.
As the dust settles on this dramatic announcement, one thing is clear: Fianna Fáil faces a period of intense scrutiny and potential internal reflection about its identity and future direction in Irish politics.
