Peadar Toibin names new political party 'Aontú'

By Michelle Devane

Former Sinn Fein politician Peadar Toibin has named his new political party Aontú.

Mr Toibin unveiled the name in a post on Twitter ahead of a public meeting in Belfast on Monday night.

The Meath West TD said the city was chosen for the announcement because it was the birthplace of the United Irishmen.

In a tweet Mr Toibin said: "Belfast was the birth place of the United Irishmen who fought for a free, independent and pluralist Ireland for Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter.

"In 30 minutes we will launch our new name and our vision in the same city."

The tweet was accompanied by an image and the word Aontú, which means unity and consent.

Mr Tobin resigned from Sinn Fein in November after 21 years as a member of the party, saying he was going to build a new 32-county movement.

He had been suspended by Sinn Fein after defying the party and voting against the proposed abortion legislation to allow terminations up to 12 weeks of pregnancy and in limited circumstances thereafter.

The Sinn Fein policy was to support the legislation.

Aontú is expected to run candidates in council elections in Northern Ireland and the Republic in May.

A united Ireland and economic justice are among Aontú's key aims.