The Fianna Fail press director, Mr Michael Ronayne, has denied a report that RTE broadcaster Joe Duffy has been approached by the party to stand as a candidate in the next general election. "There's nothing in it. Obviously, it's the silly season," he said.
Mr Duffy said. "To describe it as an approach is too strong. If you construe a casual remark as an approach, then I have been approached by all parties at one time or another."
A source indicated the report originated in a remark made by a leading Fianna Fail figure to Mr Duffy at a Bloomsday function. In the context of recent changes within RTE, the Fianna Fail man assured him he would not be out of a job he could always stand for Fianna Fail.