Two FF senators sharply criticise party leadership

Fianna Fáil is facing an internal revolt after being sharply criticised yesterday by two of its own senators.

Senator Liam Fitzgerald resigned from the parliamentary party yesterday in protest at the organisation's refusal to hold a selection convention for general election candidates in the North Dublin constituency.

He described the move as undemocratic and despotic and said the Taoiseach's behaviour in the process was cavalier and unprincipled.

Galway Senator Margaret Cox, meanwhile, unsuccessfully tried to force a vote on the Finance Bill in the Seanad last night to highlight her dissatisfaction with the Government's attitude to the west of the country.

She said the Government was failing to devote as many resources to the west as it does to the rest of the country.