Haughey denies claims of split from FF

SEÁN HAUGHEY last night strongly denied claims he was planning to stand against Fianna Fáil as an independent at the next election.

The Dublin North Central TD quickly moved to dampen speculation he was considering a break with the party if he is again overlooked for ministerial office.

Mr Haughey held a “clear-the-air” meeting with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on Friday to discuss his failure to win promotion in the contentious reshuffle of junior posts.

Mr Ahern said the “amicable” discussion had resolved any differences between the pair.

However, in the latest twist to the saga, Mr Haughey insisted he was not preparing to run against the party.

“Recent reports have stated that I am considering exiting Fianna Fáil and standing as an independent candidate in the next general election. I wish to state that this is completely false.

“In addition, I would like to make it clear that nobody has spoken to the media in this regard on my behalf,” he said.

“I met with the Taoiseach to discuss the appointment of junior ministers and I am fully satisfied with the outcome of this meeting.”

Mr Haughey made clear his displeasure at missing out on promotion to the junior transport role last week as Meath TD Mary Wallace was promoted to the frontbench instead.

The move caused considerable disquiet in FF ranks and the Taoiseach raised the temperature in the party again at the weekend with a blunt call for Education Minister of State Síle de Valera to return to the backbenches later this year as she is not contesting the next election.

Mr Haughey would then be front-runner to succeed her and boost the number of ministers on Dublin’s electorally crucial northside to three.

Ms de Valera is expected to remain in her post until after the 90th anniversary celebrations for the 1916 Rising in mid-April because of her family connections with the event.