High-profile TD Paul Murphy has announced that he has left the Socialist Party.
Murphy came to prominence when he was arrested on charges of false imprisonment of then-Tánaiste Joan Burton after taking part in a demonstration in Jobstown, Dublin. Murphy was found not guilty of the charge.
It is believed that the split was amicable, and that Murphy will continue to work with the Solidarity-People Before Profit alliance that exists within Dáil Éireann.
On Twitter this afternoon, Murphy wrote: “After extensive debate within the Party, a number of members including me decided to leave and launch a new group. I did a joint interview with Ruth and Mick to explain some of the issues and how we will work together. New group will launch Monday 1pm.”
No other elected representatives have left the party along with Murphy.
The Socialist Party, which contested the 2016 general election under the name Solidarity, now has two elected TDs, Ruth Coppinger and Mick Barry.
Muphy has been a TD for the Dublin South-West constituency since the 2014 Dublin South-West by-election.
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