A senior member of Sinn Féin is to quit the party before new Assemblyelections in the North, it emerged today.
John Kelly, a Mid Ulster member of the Stormont parliament before itscollapse, announced he would not be standing as a candidate again.
Mr Kelly, a 66-year-old veteran republican who was once jailed for IRAmembership, built a reputation as a champion of the Trade Union movement.
But it is believed tensions have developed among Sinn Féin members onMagherafelt District Council where he has served since 1997.
A motion tabled by republicans on the local authority earlier this week,surrounding alleged security force collusion in loyalist paramilitary murders,foundered when members were split evenly. Mr Kelly failed to turn up for themeeting.
With a new poll to the Assembly expected to be called within days, he hasconfirmed he would not be running.
In a statement he said: "For personal and other reasons I am withdrawing myname as Sinn Féin candidate for Mid Ulster in the predicted Assembly election.
"For similar personal and other reasons I will not be continuing mymembership of Sinn Féin ."
Mr Kelly, who underwent triple heart bypass surgery last year, wasunavailable today for further comment.
But a Sinn Féin spokesman said: "John had an exemplary record as an Assemblymember.
"Ill health has undoubtedly played a part in this decision.
"We hope Mid Ulster can move on and find a candidate of similar stature."
During his time at Stormont Mr Kelly sat on the health, employment andlearning, and culture committees.
The former seaman was acquitted in 1970 of a charge of illegally importingweapons amid allegations of an Irish government plot to arm nationalists inNorthern Ireland.
Three years later he was imprisoned for six months in Dublin for IRAmembership.
Sinn Féin is understood to favour promoting a female candidate to stand in MrKelly's place.