#OnThisDay 2nd of November 1986, Republican Sinn Féin was formed by members of Sinn Féín opposed to removing the policy of abstention from Leinster House, which had been passed by a vote at the Ard Fheis.
They were led by Ruairí Ó Brádaigh, who was elected President and remained in that role until 2009.
https://www.leftarchive.ie/calendar/on-this-day/11/02/#event-5541