Revealed: The Text Messages That Fuelled Discord Amid Patricia Ryan Resignation

"This was something we'd never seen before," said former Monasterevin Kildangan cumann secretary Aaron Sheppard.

These are the text messages that have caused discord among some local Sinn Fein grassroots members.

The resignation of Patricia Ryan TD has sparked discussions of internal censorship and dissatisfaction within the Monasterevin Kildangan Sinn Fein Cumann.

Patricia Ryan resigned last week, citing concerns over censorship and the direction of the party, leaving many to question the transparency of internal processes.

However, this morning, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald suggested that Ryan resigned from the party because of competition.

"Selection conventions are open conventions, and sometimes they are contested. Rules exist, and they are applied. What you're seeing now is the consequence of those rules," she said.

Kfm spoke to the former Cumann secretary Aaron Sheppard.

He said a meeting held at the Osprey Hotel last Monday, which was meant to include Mary Lou McDonald, raised significant concerns among party members.

The members were reportedly told to submit their questions in advance, with only one question per branch permitted. The questions were then to be vetted.

"This was something we'd never seen before," Aaron said.

 "It was supposed to be an open forum, a chance to engage directly with the leadership, but it felt like the party was controlling the narrative by screening our questions."

He said it led to feelings of frustration and censorship among local members.

Despite the unusual measures, there is no confirmation on whether Mary Lou McDonald herself was aware of the vetting process. "I'd like to believe she didn't know, but I can't say for sure," said the former secretary.

The fallout has been significant.

Kfm understands that as many as 11 members from the local branch have resigned in the wake of Ryan’s departure.

"As far as I know, only one person remains in the local branch, and it's effectively dissolved," Aaron said.

Members can be seen in the group asking why their questions should be vetted - something Patricia Ryan TD also took issue with.

"I have been asked who will decide whether or not a question is appropriate," one former member replied in response to members being asked not to submit "inappropriate” and “negative” questions.