FF Ard Fheis: Members vote for greater role in decision-making

A motion to give members a greater say in decision-making in the party has been passed at the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis.

However, the party has rejected a motion calling for the scrapping of expenses for TDs and Senators.

Motions supporting gay marriage and the introduction of full adoption rights for gay couples have been passed.

There was support too for a motion calling for cuts to the salaries of top presenters at RTE, as well as opposition to the Government's new septic-tank charge.

The party has also supported a motion calling for the national anthem to be sung in schools every Monday morning and Friday evening.

In a statement , the party said this evening that delegates had "unanimously endorsed the most radical reform to the party’s organisation structure", including the adoption of a one member - one vote system and the "toughest ethical rules of any political party in the country".

Party leader Micheál Martin said: "If Fianna Fáil is to be renewed then it must change the way it operates…We have taken a major step this afternoon to empower members to take a greater role within the party and in their communities."