Clare TD Violet Anne Wynne has resigned from Sinn Féin according to national media reports, claiming she was the victim of “psychological warfare” from within the party.

In a statement Ms Wynne alleges she was the victim of a campaign of “psychological warfare” from local elements within the party. She said she did not have a problem with Sinn Fein TDs in the Dail however.

The mother of six said she felt her unplanned pregnancy was used “as a stick to beat her with”.

“I was a proud Sinn Féin TD and took my membership with the party very seriously, I believed that they were the party for United Irelanders and were the future for this island. I now have experience that I can no longer ignore that states otherwise,” she said.

Ms Wynne stated the issues she continuously faced seem to be at local level within the organisation and she highlighted what she said was a lack of “structures”.

“I believe that the administrative side to the party and the organisers wanted me to stand down and have been actively seeking this through gaslighting measures and what can only be described as psychological warfare.

“I have tried to force the comradery and on many occasions, I informed them of the impact of their actions on my personal wellbeing and my work but it was to no avail.

“I am supposed to be on some form of maternity leave and I asked Sinn Féin for someone who would be experienced enough to act as office manager.

“As it transpired I got a prominent member of Sinn Féin who is getting paid for a 41 hour week plus overtime but actually only works two and a half days/three days of the week.

“I feel I have been isolated and steps have been taken to ensure that I would face greater difficulties, locally.”

She said she had “battled with the party for many months now trying to avoid this course of action as I wholeheartedly believed in them”.

“My membership has become untenable knowing that what we see is not what is experienced on the ground and therefore I cannot be the only one who is experiencing or will experience such difficulties in the future.”

“I had assumed that after the election in 2020 I would receive support as I had clearly received the mandate from the people of Clare.

“Unfortunately, this was not the case and instead I was pressured into decisions that I couldn’t stand over such as the staff the party wanted me to hire. I learned very fast that the party do not take kindly to autonomy and those who do not follow their plans.”

“My unplanned pregnancy was also a further stick to beat me with and I am truly concerned for women who may want to come forward for Sinn Féin in the future, in Clare.”

“I hope that they will see a better representative with no obstacles put in my way any longer and someone who will stand against this kind of behaviour – no matter where it is coming from.”

Responding, Sinn Fein Deputy Whip Denise Mitchell said, “I am so very sorry to hear of Violet-Anne’s decision this morning. Violet-Anne was a valued member of the Sinn Féin Oireachtas team.

“The party worked extremely hard over the last two years to resolve challenges at constituency level. That work was continuing.

“Violet-Anne has welcomed a new baby girl to her family and is currently on maternity leave. We had hoped to continue in our efforts to resolve constituency issues when she returned.

“Unfortunately, Violet-Anne has now decided to leave Sinn Féin. We wish her and her family the very best for the future.”