Business as usual

Mr Ward, Sinn Fein’s first and only ever representative in the Banbridge district, announced his shock resignation just over a week ago, and has since been asked to stand aside and let Sinn Fein co-opt another party member onto the council.

Speaking to the Leader though Mr Ward said he has no plans to stand down and feels no obligation to do so.

“I am absolutely committed to Banbridge council and will work on for the people of Banbridge as an Independent Nationalist and Republican councillor,” Mr Ward said.

In a statement following his resignation from Sinn Fein, Mr Ward said he had received little support from Upper Bann party members since his election in 2005.

Mr Ward refuted suggestions from Sinn Fein spokesperson Brendan Curran that he had been offered the choice to stand in either Banbridge or Knockiveagh five years ago and chose the latter.

“I expressed an interest in standing in Banbridge but the party told me I had to stand in Knockiveagh because they had previously polled well in that area,” said Mr Ward.

The 29-year-old councillor accused Sinn Fein of neglecting the Banbridge area but Mr Curran said Sinn Fein representation in the district is available for anyone who wants it.

“Sinn Fein will still be available through the constituency office and our MLA and we will continue to carry out work in Banbridge,” he said.

Mr Ward also emphatically denied that his decision to leave Sinn Fein has anything to do with dissident support.

“I have nothing but contempt for those people and would strongly discourage anyone, especially young people, from joining in any of their activities,” he said.

If Mr Ward, who said he has not decided anything beyond serving out his present council term, stands as an Independent in any future election Sinn Fein said they are confident they can win.

Mr Curran told the Leader, “We will be fighting that seat and we will be fighting to win.”