Cumann to discuss disbandment move

Members of the former Mícheál Ó Moráin cumann in Castlebar, Co Mayo, will meet tonight to discuss the disbandment last week of…

Members of the former Mícheál Ó Moráin cumann in Castlebar, Co Mayo, will meet tonight to discuss the disbandment last week of the cumann by the Fianna Fáil ardchomhairle.

The dispute centres on continuing support for TD Beverley Flynn, who was expelled from the party.

John Hamrock, a spokesman for the 167-member cumann, said at the weekend that a number of options, including the possibility of legal action, would be discussed.

Feelings are running high among cumann members over the decision by the ardchomhairle, which said it was disbanding the cumann "because it failed to demonstrate the loyalty to the party that was expected of it under party rules and regulations".

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A Castlebar-based solicitor, Cllr Aidan Crowley, who is being tipped as a possible replacement for the expelled Ms Flynn on the Fianna Fáil ticket at the next election, said the ardchomhairle had no choice but to take drastic action.

"Some of those in the Mícheál Ó Moráin cumann were straddling two horses," Mr Crowley said.

"They were getting the benefits of Fianna Fáil membership and information but their hearts were with Beverley," Mr Crowley said.

The decision of the ardchomhairle was "regrettable but necessary", he added.

Ms Flynn has described the decision as "shabby".

She said: "Cumann members who worked tirelessly for the party over the years were notified of the decision first through the media."

Fianna Fáil leader Bertie Ahern is due in the Mayo constituency at the weekend when he visits Ashford Castle, near Cong, for an official engagement on Saturday night.