Independent Ireland election candidate resigns from party

Independent Ireland General Election candidate Philip Sutcliffe has resigned from the party.

It is understood that the party felt Mr Sutcliffe's support for Conor McGregor in recent weeks was not appropriate.

The Dublin South Central candidate, who has coached Mr McGregor in boxing, met with a senior Independent Ireland official this morning.

A source familiar with what happened at the meeting said Mr Sutcliffe was advised of the leadership's dissatisfaction with a number of his public statements and the fact that he showed up at the court case.

Mr Sutcliffe was advised that he was going to be referred to the party's internal disciplinary procedures.

"He offered explanations to the senior party official during the meeting on Saturday morning but ultimately decided to resign from the party ahead of a disciplinary hearing," a senior party figure said.

Mr Sutcliffe is expected to continue as an non-party candidate in the general election campaign.

Mr Sutcliffe has been contacted by RTÉ News for comment.