Cooper Flynn expelled from Fianna Fáil

The political isolation of Beverly Cooper Flynn was completed tonight when she was thrown out of the Fianna Fáil party.

Earlier this week Beverly Flynn lost the Fianna Fáil parliamentary whip on the recommendation of leader and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and tonight the party’s national executive overwhelmingly voted to expel her totally in a move once more endorsed by the Taoiseach.

The party executive approved by 81 votes to 5 a motion to dismiss Ms Flynn for “conduct unbecoming” following her courtroom set back.

After tonight’s meeting in the Leinster House headquarters there was speculation that Ms Flynn might contest the next election as an independent candidate – a move that could split the Fianna Fáil vote in a potentially vital constituency.

Ms Flynn turned up at the gathering backed by a coach load of supporters from Co Mayo who unsuccessfully lobbied delegates for the one third support that would have been required to overcome the expulsion motion.