Kenny: Decision due to shortage of donors

FINE GAEL leader Enda Kenny has suggested Fianna Fáil scrapped its fundraising tent at the Galway Races because wealthy donors might be in short supply now that the construction industry is enduring a tough spell.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen told the Fianna Fáil national executive on Thursday night that the party’s annual fundraiser at the races would not go ahead this year.

This was widely interpreted as a clear sign that Mr Cowen wished to move the party away from the sleaze and donation controversies which have dogged Fianna Fáil in the past.