A Co Down councillor who resigned in protest from Sinn Féin last month has accused the party of losing its radicalism, and abandoning its core supporters.
Newry and Mourne Councillor Mr Martin Cunningham, from south Down, said this could create a vacuum that would lead a future generation to a new "armed struggle". Mr Cunningham was deselected as a Sinn Féin Assembly candidate in favour of Ms Caitríona Ruane, who won a seat in the South Down constituency. He denied his criticisms of the party were motivated by "sour grapes".
Mr Cunningham, who had been a member of Sinn Féin since 1972, said the party's "core support is being left behind. Working-class Catholic residents in Kilkeel who are kicking up about Orange parades are seen as an embarrassment." He said internal disagreement was forbidden in Sinn Féin and the party was becoming pro-establishment.
Party chairman Mr Mitchel McLaughlin has invited Mr Cunningham to meet the party leadership to resolve differences.