Flynn’s court battle with RTE to come to end today

Independent TD Beverly Flynn should move a step closer to re-joining Fianna Fáil today, with her legal battle against RTE expected to be formally struck out in the High Court.

Ms Flynn was expelled from the party in April 2001 after losing her infamous libel action against the state broadcaster.

She was subsequently ordered to pay almost €3m in costs to RTE, but the two sides agreed a settlement of just over €1.2m earlier this year.

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has already indicated that he would be happy to welcome Ms Flynn back into Fianna Fáil once she had settled her outstanding legal issues.

The party's general secretary, Sean Dorgan, is due to hold talks about the matter over the coming weeks with Fianna Fáil members and supporters of Ms Flynn in Co Mayo.