Sinn Féin Leader of Dublin City Council, Cllr Daithí Doolan, has criticised the Labour Party for turning its back on discussions to form a progressive alliance on Dublin City Council that would deliver real change for the people of Dublin City.

His comments were made after the Labour Party withdrew from discussions with Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats and the Green Party.

Cllr. Doolan has called on the Labour Party to state whether it is now going to prop up Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in the council.

Cllr. Doolan said:

“I believe that the people of Dublin will be dismayed to learn that the Labour Party has turned its back on forming a progressive alliance that would deliver for this city.

“Labour’s slogan for the recent European elections was ‘for the love of Dublin’. Good luck to them trying to explain that one to their voters after the actions of their city councillors. It simply doesn’t tally.

“Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, the Green Party and the Labour Party entered into negotiations about forming a progressive alliance that would work together to deliver on a City for all, public housing, community safety, transport and expanding public services.

“But instead of engaging constructively in these talks, the Labour Party has today inexplicably walked away from the table.

“They had the opportunity to impact on this progressive programme, but instead decided to simply withdraw from talks. They didn’t even attempt to amend the programme that is currently being drafted.

“I have to question their motives for walking away. Is it their intention to simply prop up Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on Dublin City Council?

“This is a disappointing day for those of us who want to deliver real change for the city of Dublin.”