The Fine Gael TD for Louth and East Meath, Peter Fitzpatrick, has formally submitted his resignation from the party it has been confirmed.
Mr Fitzpatrick who recently opposed the referendum on the Eighth Amendment, confirmed the news via Twitter on Monday evening.
In a brief statement released via Twitter, Mr Fitzpatrick said the following: “The decision to resign from Fine Gael was a difficult decision to make. I have given 100% commitment during my time as a member of the party.”
“I backed the party when some very difficult decisions had to be taken, even when I did not agree with the party I always supported them.”
“Unfortunately, over the past 15 months I have not been given the same support from Fine Gael as I had given them.
“My views were not always listened to and I felt isolated within the party itself.”
It is understood Mr Fitzpatrick has now opted to run as an Independent TD and he has vowed to represent his constituency with the same energy enthusiasm, and commitment for the remainder of the current Dail term.