FG rebels not on agenda at party think-in

The chairman of Fine Gael said the party's rebel TDs and Senators are free to apply to rejoin the parliamentary party.

Charlie Flanagan said applications from any of the former TDs and Senators will be considered if they are made.

His comments come as Fine Gael prepares for its annual think-in ahead of the new Dáil term.

"Fine Gael comprises the biggest parliamentary party ever," Flanagan said.

"We had a difficulty earlier this year in so far as a number of our members lost the whip - it's open to these members to apply at any time in the future for re-admission to the parliamentary party."

Flanagan said that the Reform Alliance was not on the agenda for Fine Gael at its think-in.

His sentiments were echoed by Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, who said "that group will make their own decision about how they behave."

"What's really important is to focus on job creation, to deal with the economic situation … that's what the public care about, that's what they want us to do."