JUST BECAUSE they’re playing no part in the presidential election doesn’t mean Fianna Fáil can’t try to muscle in on the action.

Campaign teams for all candidates are snowed under with requests from media outlets, university societies and community groups to appear on panel discussions and debates.

The latest request to take part in “a Presidential Town Hall Debate” next Thursday in Rathmines has raised a few eyebrows. The invite outlines details of the event: “It will be a public meeting, with an audience of over 300 people expected, made up of the general public, local community groups, media and members of Fianna Fáil.”

What? Yes, because the meeting has been organised by Fianna Fáil Dublin South “and all presidential election candidates are being invited”. The officer making the request tells candidates she is “aware that you have a lot of demands on your time but we would be delighted if you could join us”. She looks forward to their response and sends warm regards.

Maybe Seán Gallagher might help out his former colleagues, but how will the rest respond to this cheeky bit of opportunism?