The Independent TD Stephen Donnelly has denied allegations by his former party colleagues that he’s work-shy.

The Wicklow TD quit the Social Democrats during the week amid speculation that he may defect to Fianna Fáil.

Although Deputy Donnelly said he had received texts from friends in other parties, he has not been asked to replace Junior Minister John Halligan if he resigns.

Nor has he been approached to join Fianna Fáil, but he did not rule out such a move if approached.

His Social Democrat co-founders Roisin Shortall and Catherine Murphy suggested the party split because Stephen was not pulling his weight (Deputy Murphy said he had “disengaged”) – something he strongly denied.

“If they were going to have a go, you’d think they’d have picked something with a bit more credibility. There’s nobody involved in setting up a new party, and very people involved in politics, who are work-shy. It’s an intense and very rewarding job.

“Clearly, there was no merit to that (suggestion).”