In a shock move, Snow Patrol have sacked bass-playing founder member Mark McClelland.

According to an official statement: “Following a life-changing year in 2004, Snow Patrol found themselves under a whole set of new and unexpected pressures. These pressures have unfortunately taken their toll on working relationships within the band, and it was felt that that Snow Patrol could not move forward with Mark as a member.

”Coming to this decision was the hardest thing the remaining band members have ever faced, it was reached with much regret. The band have not appointed a new member, and are currently in rural Ireland writing the follow up to Final Straw.”

There was no sign of unrest in the ranks before Christmas when all five members of the group turned up for the Hot Press Christmas Photo-shoot in Dublin’s Central Hotel.

McClelland, in particular, was looking forward to playing with U2 on their Vertigo world tour and generally getting stuck into a year “that is all about making the next record.”