The Dublin West TD Patrick Nulty has resigned from the Labour Party.

Announcing his resignation this morning Deputy Nulty said the leadership of the party, and in particular the Cabinet, has sacrificed core social democratic demands for their own personal political ambitions.

He also accuses senior party personnel of bringing the entire political system into disrepute.

Deputy Nulty was elected to the Dáil in a by-election in 2011 caused by the death of Brian Lenihan.

Later the same year he lost the party whip after refusing to vote for the budget.

Deputy Nulty's statement said: "I have taken the decision to resign my membership of the Labour Party. This was difficult because I have been a member of the party for over a decade. However, it was necessary.

"I no longer believe that membership of the party is any assistance in advancing the political ideas which form the cornerstone of my value system. These ideas are social justice, equality and the creation of full employment with quality work in our society.

"I still have great regard for the many decent, hardworking Labour members, supporters and public representatives who share my thirst for a better Ireland. However, the leadership of the party and in particular the cabinet ministers who have sacrificed core social democratic demands for their own personal political ambitions, have brought the entire political system into disrepute.

“Trust in our political system with citizens has been broken. This means there is a need for new ideas and social movements that are accountable to citizens not powerful interests.

“The most recent example of the Government hitting the most vulnerable hardest is the announcement that children with special education needs will not receive the resource teaching hours they require next September.

“The Government has imposed savage cuts to housing adaption grants specifically provided to people with disabilities who need alterations to their home. We have personal insolvency guidelines published which seek to micro manage the personal finances of hard pressed families and we have seen cuts to Child Benefit which Labour had sworn to protect.

“These are not the actions of a party that is acting in the interests of working people and a just economic recovery. That is why I have resigned. I am optimistic about the future of our country and I will continue campaigning for the radical change that is needed."