A Fianna Fáil Senator has today claimed that he is at the centre of a smear campaign, as allegations emerge of irregularities in expenses he claimed as a member of Donegal County Council.

In a further blow to Fianna Fáil, the party's first preference votes would plunge to 19% – down a third from from 2007 – in Donegal South West if a General Election was called, according to a Red C survey.