Tóibín's New Party Named

31.01.2019

Peadar Tóibín, the independent TD forced out of Sinn Féin over his pro-life principles, has revealed the name of his new political party. The new party will be called Aontú, which means unity and consent. The party will operate both in the Republic and in Northern Ireland.

Speaking in Belfast, Mr Tóibín said a new political vision was being launched. The Meath West TD said Belfast was chosen for the unveiling of the party’s name because the city was the birth place of the United Irishmen who fought for a free, independent and pluralist Ireland for Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter.

Mr Tóibín left Sinn Féin over the party’s refusal to allow him a free Dáil vote on the abortion legislation last year. He has since been travelling the country to prepare for the launch of the new party, and his local meetings have drawn large crowds. Hundreds have turned out at some of the TD’s gatherings in recent weeks at which he was scathing of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin.

Aontú will run candidates in the council elections in Northern Ireland and the Republic next May.

RTÉ. January 28. Irish Independent. January 28.