City Councillor Lil O’Donnell opts to leave newly named Solidarity party

CITY councillor Lil O'Donnell is leaving the Anti-Austerity Alliance as it broadens its political approach under its new name, Solidarity.

Ms O'Donnell, who was elected alongside Mick Barry in 2014 the Cork North Central council ward, said that she will still work closely with the party but will keep her focus on local issues.

“The new organisation is broadening its political approach. Its broader political project is not a priority for me. So, I will continue to work alongside my old colleagues on the council and in the community and will continue to supply Mick Barry and TD for Cork North Central but I would prefer to focus on working as a councillor on all the issues in my own North Central ward, ” she said.

Mr Barry, who was elected to the Dáil last year, said that Solidarity and Ms O'Donnell were committed to similar goals, and would continue working alongside each other.

“We are sorry to see Lil go and see grateful for the hard work she has put in over many campaigns. We look forward to continuing to work with Lil on the many issues we hold of common concern including the total abolition of water charges," he said.

Ms O'Donnell will continue as an independent councillor alongside Solidarity councillors Marion O'Sullivan from the Cork North West wear, and Fiona Ryan, who replaced Mr Barry following the election.

Meanwhile, John O'Sullivan was set to be coopted on to Cork County Council this morning for Fine Gael.

He will be replacing Noel O'Donovan, who resigned his West Cork seat to join An Garda Siochana.

Mr O'Sullivan previously served a single term as a councillor in the same local electoral area from 2009 until he lost his seat in 2014.