16/11/2009

Republican Group Votes For New Leader

Republican Sinn Féin has elected a new President.

He will succeed Ruairi O’Bradaigh, who has led the organisation for more than 20 years.

The veteran hard-line republican, 77, is retiring for health and age reasons.

Des Dalton, from Co Kildare, has been Vice-President since 2003, and vowed to remain active in republican circles.

"Anno Domini catches up with us all, eventually," said.

"My turn has come to step down as president. I do so on the grounds of age and health.

"All in all, I am in my 60th year as an active member of the republican movement."

A teacher by profession and originally from Co Longford, Mr O'Bradaigh founded the organisation after a split with Gerry Adams and his supporters 23 years ago, famously walking out of a party conference.

He has now been appointed patron of the organisation.

(BMcC/GK)

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