Gallagher says links to FF are a 'non-issue'

PARTY MEMBERSHIP:PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL Seán Gallagher has said his links to Fianna Fáil are a "non-issue".

Speaking while campaigning at Blanchardstown shopping centre in Dublin yesterday, the Independent candidate said he has never made any secret of his involvement with the party.

His comments came after it emerged he had only resigned from the party’s national executive in January this year.

Earlier this month, he said he had left the party in 2009.

“I’ve never made any secret of my involvement in Fianna Fáil and I’ve spoken about that many months ago and again, to me, this is a non-issue,” he said yesterday.

“It would be very sad in Ireland to be demonising people who are involved in political organisations.”

He said it was not about party politics, it was about the presidency. He also said it was not “a rerun or a rehash of the last general election”.

Asked if he thought his support for Donegal North East Fianna Fáil candidate Charlie McConalogue might compromise his campaign, he said he did not.

“We need more young people to get involved in the political process and I’m happy to support young people out there trying to get involved,” he said.

Mr Gallagher also said people were tired of negative campaigning and there was nothing to be gained from it.

“If there is negativity coming from anybody, it will not be coming from me and I will stay focused on my positive message of confidence for the people.”