Independent MEP Nessa Childers has been accused by Labour MEP Phil Prendergast of being a "political pirate" in a row between the two former colleagues over membership of the socialist group in parliament.

Ms Childers resigned from the Labour Party in July and announced she would stand in next year’s European elections as an independent.

She was also asked to leave the 194-strong Socialists and Democrats group in the parliament, of which Labour is a member.
In a letter sent to other members of the socialist group on Tuesday, Ms Childers said that she had not left the group voluntarily but had been effectively been forced out by her Irish Labour colleagues who had been "very vocal" in calling for her to resign.

Vocal
Ms Prendergast responded the following day with a group letter to the same socialist group MEPs.

She contested Ms Childers contention that she or the Irish group had been “very vocal” in insisting for her resignation.

Ms Prendergast portrayed her former colleague as a political pirate because of her moves back and forth between the Labour Party and the Green Party and her decision this summer to become an independent.

No comment
"She comes into port, plunders and destroys all in sight and then sails on to the next harbour (or party!) without a second thought for the destruction in her wake," wrote the MEP who represents the South constituency.

A spokeswoman for Ms Childers last night said she would not be commenting on the assertions made by Ms Prendergast.