Frustrations build in Fianna Fáil over delay to presidential campaign review

Senior members are criticising the delay to the report into the party’s presidential campaign, which saw Jim Gavin crash out in early October

TDs have privately criticised the delay to the report into the party’s presidential campaign.

Frustration is building within Fianna Fáil over an expected delay in the party’s presidential post-mortem, with TDs calling for a new deadline to be set.

TDs have privately criticised the delay to the report into the party’s presidential campaign, which saw Jim Gavin crash out of the race in early October.

The party signalled over the weekend that the deadline of November 12 would likely not be met, with party whip Mary Butler issuing a statement on the matter.

“The independent review is ongoing and while the aim for publication was November 12th, the chairman and committee members must conduct an independent and fair process, which may take longer than originally planned,” Ms Butler said. She added: 

It is most important that this review remains independent, as agreed by the parliamentary party. 

The review panel is chaired by senior counsel Ciaran O’Loughlin, with parliamentary party members Tom Brabazon, Eamon Scanlon, and Margaret Murphy O’Mahony having been appointed in October.

One TD was privately scathing about the delay, saying it would likely end up being a “whitewash”.

Another TD said they found it interesting that members of the parliamentary party found out about the likely delay through the media, rather than a direct communication from Fianna Fáil headquarters.

“Leadership needs to clarify and confirm nature and length of the delay,” they said.

A third said many middle ground TDs just want the review to be completed and the “drama” surrounding the presidential election to end.

“I can’t read what the strategy of those who are pushing each week is, but its damaging us all now, not just Micheál Martin,” the TD said.

John Connolly, Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West, told RTÉ Radio that he was “disappointed” the review was likely to be delayed. He added: 

I think it’s important now that what we do is we set a new deadline, because I don’t think anybody is well served by this being dragged out.

Mr Connolly said there was concerns that the deadline could be pushed out to a point where the review becomes “less relevant”.

He added the outcome of the review “won’t be without consequences”.

John Lahart, Dublin South-West TD, said he was disappointed with the delay, but the coming week would be busy for the Government with the launch of the revised housing plan and presidential inauguration.

“The 12th of November was a commitment entered into and, while I’m very disappointed at this delay, I’d expect that every effort is being made by my party colleagues on the committee to avoid further delays. It’s on the minds of all members and membership,” he said.