In a wide-ranging and controversial interview in the new edition of Hot Press (out today, Thursday, 19 January), former Socialist Democrat co-leader Stephen Donnelly spills the beans on why he dramatically quit the party and reveals that he’s open to joining a new political party.
He also frankly discusses the Denis O’Brien controversy, appeals to unions regarding the Lansdowne Road agreement, forewarns that Ireland is potentially facing into a crisis far worse than the meltdown we experienced when the IMF took over our purse strings, and says he wants to see marijuana legalised.

In an interview with Hot Press’ senior contributing editor, Jason O’Toole, the 40-year-old Wicklow-based politician – who has a black belt in Taekwan-Do – also airs his views on contentious issues of our times: euthanasia, prostitution, Brexit, the legalisation of drugs, why Ireland should be ashamed of not participating in the Second World War, and the so-called Swedish Model.

In the powerful, exclusive interview, Stephen Donnelly also opens up about sex, how he smoked marijuana, how he almost got expelled from UCD, his religious beliefs – and why he hopes there’s alien life forms out there.

Stephen confirms that one reason he left the Soc Dems is because they refused to go into government. “I believe we should have gone into government, but what bothered me far more was a refusal to even enter talks about government,” he says. "Our election position was clear: we would talk to any party or group interested in social democratic policies. I gave that assurance to over a million people on the Leaders’ Debate. Call me old fashioned – or naïve – but I take that sort of thing seriously.”

He also admits that there was tension and arguments amongst the party’s co-leaders. “Starting a political party is difficult, so naturally there are going to be tensions – particularly with such a diverse team. The Party chose, when I left, to engage in some snide nonsense, but that was their choice. My choice was to stay quiet. I don't believe it serves anyone's interests to air those tensions publicly."

He goes on to give his views on legalising marijuana, on euthanasia, Ireland’s economic future, neutrality, the 8th Amendment and lots more.

In an impressively honest, intelligent and forthright in depth interview, which covers all of this and a whole lot more, the Wicklow TD also talks about prostitution; God and religion; sex and relationships; and his belief that there are other life forms. “I watched a lot of Star Trek when I was younger. I hope there’s spaceships and laser beams and all manner of cool stuff,” he says.

The Hot Press Interview with Stephen Donnelly is in the new Hot Press, in stores now you can Buy Hot Press 41-01 direct from hotpress.com

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