Fianna Fáil fundraising scheme under fire

FIANNA FÁIL’S controversial new fundraising scheme shows the party has “learnt nothing from past abuses” and is again preparing to use “doubtful means” to build up its war chest for the next general election, Labour said last night.

Under the proposed club-like scheme, which Fianna Fail insists is “standard fundraising,” the party would offer business people “networking opportunities” with ministers in return for membership of the “Forum for Opportunity.”

TDs and senators were told in recent meetings that the membership fee would be €4,500 over three years - or €1,500 a year.