FF to set up new forum to assuage backbench concerns

The Fianna Fáil parliamentary party has voted to create a new forum to allow discussion of policy between backbenchers and ministers.

The decision was taken late last night at a meeting in Leinster House.

That meeting was arranged following the recent revelation that 16 Fianna Fáil TDs were forming an internal committee to get their voices heard when it comes to the formulation of pre-election policies.

The plan to set up this committee is believed to have been abandoned following last night's development.

The new forum will now hold four meetings during the coming month to discuss economic and social issues, agriculture and rural development and quality-of-life concerns.