The Curious Case of Violet-Anne Wynne

If ever someone had the gimp of a jailbird, he had.

None of the above is now untrue

Most of what you have written in relation to the process of selection of Violet Anne Wynne and Sinn Fein in Clare is incorrect In 2016 GE SF decided to run a candidate in the election. No one including Mike McKee was willing to stand. Noeleen Moran put her name forward and was deemed the candidate. To the surprise of everyone she did very well polling over 4000 first preference votes. She had been a brilliant candidate, people responded positively to her and had done the party proud. It beccame clear that there was a chance of getting a seat and following MMcK success in local elections moves were afoot to select him as GE candidate. However this would have had a major impact on morale so it was decided to go with a 2 candidate strategy. Why? Who knows but a lot of members were uncomfortable with this. It became clear to some that moves were afoot within Clare to sideline Noeleen Moran and this was stepped up following the death of Mike McKee. Some members were very unhappy and decided not to renew their membership. I was one of those. Prior to that attempts were made to highlight what was happening but the SF hierarchy ignored as they had their councillor in Shannon who incidentally was photographed more campaigning in Limerick rather than Clare!

During the lead up to GE Feb 20 when there was speculation in Autumn 19, I am reliably told that Noeleen Moran tried to seek clarification as to what was happening and her nomination had expired in August 19. She was stalled and not given any information. Noeleen Moran continued to ask for clarification, expressed her interest but no convention or further information was available. This is just one tiny example of how Noeleen Moran was treated. When the election was called, SF arranged a convention 3 weeks before the date. Noeleen Moran reflected on this and the attempts to discredit her and decided that she could not do justice to any campaign and very reluctantly stepped away. However this was portrayed very differently by various spokespersons within Clare SF.

My instincts tell me and I have discussed this with many others, the thinking within the 'power group' of Clare SF was that Violet Anne would bomb but of course as history shows that did not happen. They were then left with a problem, what to do about her? So the campaign began along with support from those higher up the chain. VA must go. VA has claimed that some in the local party were aware of her baggage but dismissed it when they were told. I beleive her as I witnessed first hand what they did and continue to do to Noeleen Moran. They didn't manage to bring Noeleen down as she has too much respect in the Clare community across the county.

I listened to VA on Clare FM this morning and her story sounded familiar. Unfortuatley the baggage line was not discussed as I think is the crux of much of what happened. If she did tell some local members and they choose not to pass that upwards then shame on them. They have exploited her and set her up for much of the abuse she is now getting. Those faceless members who are trying to manipulate 2 women for their own greedy gains. Seems like female power is winning this one though.

BTW one interesting snippet she divulged this morning is her replacement for maternity is working only 20 hours a week but getting paid for 41 and wanted overtime as well!!! I have been told he is a member of Clare SF, a member of the Munster Cuige and deeply entrenched. Talk about jobs for the boys!!!!

Has she joined FG yet, half expect them to offer her a ministry this morning.

Paul Williams will write a book about it.