Anne McCloskey resigns from council over 'differing' Covid-19 views

Image caption, 础辞苍迟煤's Anne McCloskey says she is stepping down from council due to her views "differing considerably" with that of pro-life party 础辞苍迟煤

A Derry City and Strabane District councillor is stepping down due to differences of opinion with her party over Stormont's handling of Covid-19.

Dr Anne McCloskey said she was "reluctantly" resigning due to her views "differing considerably" with that of pro-life party 础辞苍迟煤.

The GP, who also stood down as deputy leader almost two weeks ago, said she will remain a party member.

Dr McCloskey is one of only two 础辞苍迟煤 councillors in all of Northern Ireland.

'My decision'

Speaking to 大象传媒 Radio Foyle, Dr McCloskey said: "Over the last months my views on the government response to the coronavirus crisis has differed considerably from 础辞苍迟煤's party policy.

"I understand that as a political party you need to have a cohesive approach, party leader Peadar (T贸ib铆n) was saying things differently to what I was saying.

"All of that really wasn't useful," she added.

Image caption, 础辞苍迟煤 leader Peadar T贸ib铆n said the party will hold a selection convention in the coming weeks to co-opt a successor to Dr McCloskey

础辞苍迟煤 leader Peadar T贸ib铆n said that the party will hold a selection convention in the coming weeks to co-opt a successor to Dr McCloskey.

Mr T贸ib铆n said Dr McCloskey "held enormous respect in Irish politics" and was "not afraid to question and challenge the status quo".

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed that it聽has received notification from Dr聽McCloskey of her intention to resign as the 础辞苍迟煤 councillor for the Ballyarnett聽area.

The spokesperson said the council would聽be informed by the chief electoral officer of the nominee for the vacant seat.