FF backs Martin's response to Mahon

THE FIANNA Fáil organisation has backed the response of party leader Micheál Martin to the Mahon tribunal report.

At a meeting in Leinster House last night the party’s ardchomhairle also supported Mr Martin’s proposal that the party should take over Bertie Ahern’s old constituency office in Drumcondra.

The meeting was called in response to the publication of the Mahon tribunal report, Mr Martin’s decision to seek the expulsion of six members for conduct unbecoming a member of the party, and his decision to seek approval for a root-and-branch review of the organisation in Dublin Central.

The party said in a statement that following the resignation of each of the six members in question the only item before the ardchomhairle was the proposed review of Dublin Central, which was agreed by consensus, including support from the Dublin Central delegate.

“The ardchomhairle endorsed the party leader’s response to the Mahon Report and expressed unequivocal condemnation of inappropriate fundraising activity in the past,” said the statement.

Fianna Fáil whip Seán Ó Fearghaíl said that it had been a very difficult week for the party, with many members across the country feeling angry and disappointed.

“However, there is also a strong sense that the swift and resolute response from the party leadership has established our firm rejection of these practices and can be the beginning of the process of rebuilding trust in politics across the country,” he added.

The six Fianna Fáil members that party leader Micheál Martin had recommended for expulsion following the publication of the Mahon report were former taoiseach Bertie Ahern; former European commissioner Pádraig Flynn; former TD GV Wright; former senator Don Lydon; sitting councillor John Hannon and former councillor Finbarr Hanrahan.