Patricia Ryan resigns

On Wednesday, the 22nd of February, Patricia Ryan announced her resignation from Sinn Féin, citing her loss of faith in the party's leadership and values.

Ryan, who was elected to the Dáil in 2020, said she felt "marginalized" and "unheard" within the party, and that she could no longer in good conscience remain a member.

Her resignation comes at a time when Sinn Féin is facing a number of internal challenges, including the fallout from the party's handling of allegations of sexual misconduct against former member Barry McElduff.

In a statement announcing her resignation, Ryan said that she had "lost faith in the leadership and direction of Sinn Féin." She also said that she believed the party was "no longer the party that I joined."

Ryan's resignation is a significant blow to Sinn Féin, which is currently the largest party in the Dáil. It is also a sign of the growing discontent within the party over its leadership and direction.

It is unclear what the future holds for Ryan. She has not ruled out running for election to the Dáil as an independent candidate, but she has also said that she is considering leaving politics altogether.

Whatever she decides to do, Ryan's resignation is a reminder that Sinn Féin is at a crossroads. The party is facing a number of challenges, and it is unclear whether it will be able to overcome them and continue to be a major force in Irish politics.

In the meantime, Ryan's resignation is a reminder that even the most successful parties can be brought down by internal strife. It is also a reminder that the people who make up a party are ultimately the ones who determine its direction.