Interference “from outside” by Fianna Fáil headquarters led to the shock withdrawal 10 days ago of party stalwart and seasoned councillor Paul O’Donoghue from the election in South and West Kerry.

FIANNA FÁIL councillors in Kerry yesterday said they had a ‘very constructive’ meeting with new county manager Martin Riordan on controversial planning issues, but stressed they were still not happy with the way people were being treated.

A CHANGE of heart by several Fianna Fáil councillors resulted in three Section 140 planning motions, which seek to direct a county manager to give planning permission against his better judgement, being defeated at yesterday’s meeting of Kerry County Council, in Tralee.

NEW schools and medical clinics will be hit by development levies being introduced by the Government, adding thousands of euro to the buildings’ costs.