FF general secretary in Mayo to discuss Flynn membership

Fianna Fáil's general secretary is travelling to Co Mayo today to hold talks with local party members about the possible readmittance of Independent TD Beverley Flynn.

Ms Flynn was expelled from the party in 2004 after losing a libel action over claims that she encouraged tax evasion while working for National Irish Bank.

However, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, made it clear earlier this year that he would welcome her back into the fold and would even consider her for a junior ministry once she had settled her legal bills with RTÉ.

She has since reached a settlement with the state broadcaster and Fianna Fáil general secretary Sean Dorgan is travelling to Castlebar today to discuss her readmittance.

He is expected to use the occasion to assess the mood of local party members.

The process to readmit Ms Flynn is expected to take a number of weeks, but could be complete by next month.