Patricia Ryan, a former TD for Sinn Féin, has voiced criticism of her previous party for ignoring the concerns of its members and TDs, alleging that she experienced restrictions on her social media and that her inquiries at party assemblies were subject to pre-emptive scrutiny. Ryan, from Kildare South, refuted suggestions that her departure was related to a contested selection convention for the general election candidate, saying that such speculation was categorically untrue.
She decided to leave Sinn Féin as the party leaders neglected to resolve issues originating from grassroots members in her locality. Ryan shared that she felt neglected and shunted aside by those at the top of the organisation.
Addressing her local radio show, KFM, Ryan explained for the first time about her departure. She described how the party failed to address internal problems within the grassroots members in Kildare South, despite her repeated pleas. The consequences of these unresolved matters led her to make the difficult decision to resign.
Ryan highlighted an instance where her voicing of a local issue regarding an illegal encampment at the Curragh was censored on her personal social media. She said that after addressing the complaints of her constituents about the encampment, and reaching out to the Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, for assistance, she was told to remove related posts by local party structures. Ryan felt that this level of control undermined her ability to execute her elected role effectively.
Ryan further criticised the party for its handling of member’s engagement. She questioned the party’s practice of validating questions from its members before being presented to the party leader during meetings. She argues that as a party member, one should have the freedom to ask questions without any form of restriction or moderation. The existence of such practices, Ryan contends, deepened her concerns about the party.
She highlighted the party’s moderate success in the local and European elections, in which Sinn Féin secured just under 12% of the national vote. “As the local elections approached, while out door-knocking, I became aware that we had misunderstood the situation regarding the (Family and Care) referendum. The party recognised its mistake, but the admission came a bit too late as we had already begun to feel the effects of the misinformation at people’s doors. Despite perceiving this issue early and addressing it in team meetings, we felt overlooked as party members.”
Following the announcement of her departure, Sinn Féin disclosed that a competitive convention was scheduled in Kildare South, with Ms Ryan holding an invitation to pursue the nomination. When questioned if she believed she should have been the sole candidate, her answer was unequivocal: “No, not at all.”
“Any candidate participating in a convention is susceptible to competition. I have no qualms with this aspect as it’s an integral part of a democracy. My discontent lies with other ongoing matters that have unsettled me in the past 18 months. I have struggled with countless sleepless nights and difficult decisions. I have devoted 15 years to Sinn Féin, initially on a voluntary basis, then progressing through the ranks as a councillor and later a TD. Therefore, making this decision has not come easy to me.”
On the subject of her social media posts being removed, she revealed that the justification given was that her posts were causing discomfort amongst certain party members. “I am firmly of the belief that instructing someone to delete posts and screen questions for meetings is improper. Mutual respect is imperative.”
In response to concerns that her constituency office in Athy had not been accessible enough, she admitted, “Indeed, such concerns were voiced. I initially aimed at having it open more frequently, but unforeseen circumstances, such as a staff member falling ill, made it challenging. I couldn’t be in two locations at once. My responsibilities as a party member demanded my attendance in Dublin.”
She discussed her communications with leader Mary Lou McDonald regarding burgeoning local matters. She stated that she had approached her multiple times with numerous concerns and requested them to be resolved. She was usually assured that they would be handled, but often the situation would resurface a week later.
The allegation that several members of Sinn Féin in South Kildare have been voicing their unease about her leadership over the years was raised. She disagreed with these criticisms, asserting that she hadn’t disconnected from Sinn Féin, nor has she exhibited lack of local leadership.
Ms Ryan indicated that she found accusations of her not backing local candidates exceedingly deceptive. She pointed out that she had had an accident the year before and had undergone surgery, which had resulted in her being unable to drive until March. In spite of this, she insisted her husband was often her chauffeur and she was maintaining canvassing duties throughout the district.
In response to the question of her feeling ousted from the party, she affirmed her feeling so absolutely. She expressed her belief in standing up for her principles and her integrity when no actions were being taken for internal issues, which she felt was more important than staying quiet. She mentioned being raised by formidable women and considered herself to be just as tenacious.
Ms Ryan blamed the national leadership when asked who was responsible for her estranged feelings towards her party. She felt they failed in their tasks to moderate arising issues, despite numerous members raising them. She suspects their declining poll numbers is a reflection of their ignorance towards voices like her own asking for change and deems it unfortunate.
When questioned regarding employee rotation in her office, she revealed that a parliamentary aide exited, a secretary found a new position closer to her residence, and a team member departed due to health concerns. She stated that such a degree of fluctuation is not out of the ordinary.