Donegal TD Blaney in talks about formally joining FF

Minister for Enterprise Micheál Martin has confirmed that Fianna Fáil is in talks with Donegal TD Niall Blaney with a view to his formally joining the party ahead of the next election.

Mr Blaney is one of a number of independent TDs loyal to Fianna Fáil who always vote with the Government in the Dáil.

This loyalty means Fianna Fáil effectively has three TDs in Donegal North East.

Mr Martin said today that the on-going negotiations about his formally joining the party were at an advanced stage, but he could provide no further details at present.

The Blaneys have been represented in Donegal North East since 1927, with Niall Blaney the third generation of the family in the constituency to hold a Dáil seat.