21/01/2009

Green Councillor In Protest Quit

A prominent Green Party councillor has resigned calling the party "headless chickens".

Cork City Councillor Chris O'Leary, a former European and Dáil election candidate, quit the party in protest at its performance in Government and claimed the Greens appeared to be determined to stay in Government whatever the price.

He said people needed leadership at the moment, not headless chickens.

Speaking to RTÉ News, Councillor O'Leary said that he had resigned from the Greens in December but had been in discussions since then with the party with a view to resolving differences.

Chris O'Leary announced the decision this morning, saying he plans to contest next June's local elections an independent councillor.

Mr O'Leary thanked his constituents for all their support and pledged to continue working for them in the future.

The party has yet to provide any statement over Mr O'Leary's decision to leave.

(DW/BMcC)

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