Former Sinn Féin TD Violet-Anne Wynne will not join the Labour Party “at this point in time”. 

Deputy Wynne was elected as a Sinn Féin TD in 2020 but resigned from her membership last year alleging she was the victim of “psychological warfare” within her local party. 

The Clare TD said she would “absolutely not” re-join her former party and rumours have swirled recently that she could join the Labour party. 

Labour leader Ivana Bacik offered her advice and support in Leinster House during her most recent pregnancy and on The Pat Kenny Show, Deputy Wynne said the pair have also been working together on legislation.

“Since returning [from maternity leave], I’ve had a number of meetings with Ivana specifically about legislative processes,” Deputy Wynne said. 

“I have a private members bill on the floor of the House this Friday, for example. 

“But also, just discussing the difficulties of maternity support and ensuring that the Houses of Oireachtas is more family friendly.” 

Labour's Ivana Bacik at the publication of paid leave for reproductive health-related issues outside Leinster House in March 2021. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie

When asked whether she would stand as an independent candidate or join another party, she declined to rule anything in or out. 

“Well, that’s the question,” Deputy Wynne said. 

“When I made that decision, the only future that I saw for myself in politics was independent and sticking with being an independent. 

“I think just from the experience that I had, I had no interest in party politics any longer and also I suppose, from experience, know the levels of toxicity that can be at play. 

“I had all full intentions of being an independent for the duration of my political career and that is still the same at this point in time. 

“Yes, I’ve met with Ivana Bacik. Yes, I’m heavily impressed by Ivana Bacik - with her compassion, support and willingness to be approachable… She’s been a great ally to me so far.” 

Deputy Wynne said that when she first got involved in politics she strongly disagreed with what Labour were doing in Government. 

“Labour would definitely not have been a party that I would have considered when I entered politics,” she said. 

“It was back in 2012; it was off the back of austerity measures and my family in particular were impacted by austerity measures. 

“Back then the Labour party were being led differently; I think there is still a good bit of work to be done there in regaining people’s trust.”

Main image: Violet-Anne Wynne