John McGuirk

My friend David Cochrane has received confirmation that Cllr. Killian Forde is to depart the Sinn Féin Party, and it’s group on Dublin City Council. The loss of Killian – who I know, but not very well – is a massive blow to Sinn Féin, but probably the right move for him. He falls into that group of politicians who I would gladly vote for regardless of party affiliation or ideology – people who are talented, young, honorable, and with a bit of vision. I hope he goes on tosuccess in whatever path or party he chooses.

Killian’s decision leaves Mary-Lou McDonald looking increasingly isolated. As Vice President of the Party, she can’t walk away, but electoral mathematics make it unlikely that she can win anywhere in the capital. It’s a pity, because she’s a decent, talented woman who’s in politics for the right reasons.

To be blunt, the future for Sinn Fein in the South looks bleak. And with the PD’s gone, and the Greens facing massive losses, are we really looking at a return to the two and a half party system? Surely there’s room there for a new grouping before the next election. I expect rumours of that nature to escalate further in 2010.