Northern Ireland

Aontú's Dr Anne McCloskey to step down as Derry councillor as 'views on Covid-19 differ from party'

Aontú's Dr Anne McCloskey is resigning from Derry city and Strabane district council. Picture by Mark Marlow.
Aontú's Dr Anne McCloskey is resigning from Derry city and Strabane district council. Picture by Mark Marlow. Aontú's Dr Anne McCloskey is resigning from Derry city and Strabane district council. Picture by Mark Marlow.

HIGH-profile Aontú councillor Anne McCloskey has announced her resignation from Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The retired GP said she was stepping down because her views on how the coronavirus pandemic has been handled were at odds with the party, although she would remain a member.

The Derry woman is one of just two Aontú councillors in Northern Ireland.

Dr McCloskey resigned as national deputy leader of the pro-life two weeks ago.

She has been an outspoken critic of calls for people to wear facemasks to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and has criticised the way cases and deaths are officially recorded.

“I will be stepping down as a councillor to facilitate a new Aontú councillor to take the reins," she said.

"My views on Covid-19 are different from Aontú and as a result I am stepping down from this role.

“I am however committed to Aontú’s development in the future and will remain an active member.”

Party leader Peadar Tóibín said Dr McCloskey was held in “enormous respect as a brave and courageous friend and comrade throughout Aontú”.

“Anne is a woman of conviction and has never held back in terms of effort as a doctor, as an elected rep and as a party activist. We thank her for all her help in the past and look forward to working with her in the future.”

Mr Tóibín added that the party would hold a selection convention to decide on Dr McCloskey’s council replacement.