When Sinn Féin split in 1970, French supported the Official wing and was a member of its first Publicity Committee.

[2] Much later, he became a founding member of the Peace Train Organisation, which was formed to oppose the Provisional IRA's bombing of the Dublin to Belfast railway line.

French worked closely beside Malachy McGurran who was a major figure in the northern republican movement from the late 1950s and a Vice-President of Official Sinn Féin.

He remained a councillor, alternating between representing the Loughside and Craigavon Central areas, until 1993 when he lost his seat.

to have a fine singing voice, Tom French participated in the Wexford Opera Festival on several occasions.