Mass resignations by SF activists over handling of Daithí McKay’s replacement

Eighteen Sinn Féin members in North Antrim have resigned over the party's handling of replacing Daithí McKay as MLA.

Mr McKay stood down a fortnight ago in the wake of the NAMA inquiry ‘coaching’ scandal.

The mass stepping down by the 17 activists and local councillor Paul Maguire came in a letter to the party’s Ulster council, according to the Ballymena Guardian.

“It is inconceivable for us to remain, in light of the way that Daithí McKay has been treated by the Cuige (council) ‘leadership’ after his years of dedicated service to the party, and the subsequent ‘anointing’ of his successor Philip McGuigan,” the letter stated.

Mr McGuigan has served as a councillor in the area since 2001 and was an MLA for North Antrim from 2003 to 2007. He signed in as MLA on Tuesday morning.

Mr Maguire, who intends to remain as an independent councillor on the Mid and East Antrim council, said those leaving were dismayed both at the way in which the search for Mr McKay’s successor was conducted and how he had been personally treated.

He said that Mr McKay’s position was filled by the Ulster Council “without any meaningful consultation with the Comhairle Ceantair (local council) whatsoever”.

The list of those resigning includes members from Glenravel, Ballymena, Portglenone, Bannside, Braid and Moyle.