Hanafin hits out at FF treatment of candidates

Former Minister and newly elected Fianna Fáil councillor Mary Hanafin has said that her party must treat its candidates "a little bit better".

She was elected to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council yesterday, after a party row over who was their official candidate.

Whilst insisting that she has "no gripe" with party leader Micheál Martin, Councillor Hanafin said she does have some ideas on how to improve the party.

"Perhaps to treat people a little bit better as candidates," she said.

"I mean, I was just one example of it, there were others around the country.

"I think we have to respect the people who put their names forward.

"I also feel that the membership of the parry, perhaps in the last couple of years, felt disowned by leadership, that you weren't wanted unless you were under 30."