FG cuts ties to Frank Flannery to limit damage

Ties between Fine Gael and its long-serving strategist, Frank Flannery, have been cut amid concerns that the controversy over his involvement with the Rehab Group threatened to damage Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his party.

Mr Flannery issued a statement last night to announce his resignation from the roles of director of elections and as a trustee of the party, and pointed out that his involvement had only been organisational and did not involve advising the Government.

He has also stepped down as a member of the board of the Rehab Group — a decision made with “real regret” but one he said was necessary because his involvement was putting the organisation at the “centre of political controversy”.