Three senior Fianna Fáil TDs have called for the immediate publication of the party’s review of its presidential campaign.
In a statement, Willie O’Dea, Seán Ó Fearghaíl and Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher said party members, particularly Oireachtas members, “deserve transparency and respect”.
They said parliamentary party members must be given time to read the report in full, reflect on its conclusions and to “discuss its implications for the future of the party at a special Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party meeting”.
“We need a frank and informed discussion,” they said.
The review was established to consider the steps taken during the identification and selection process of Jim Gavin as Fianna Fáil’s presidential nomination, and examines the basis on which he was selected as a candidate.
Last week, party leader Micheál Martin said the report into the party’s presidential campaign will be published “before Christmas”.
A spokesperson for the Fianna Fáil leader said he had not yet received a copy of the report.
The committee overseeing the review is set to meet tomorrow to finalise matters before its publication.
The senior party TDs said the continued leaking of material from the report is “damaging Fianna Fáil’s reputation”, adding that the leaks have undermined trust across the party and are “unacceptable”.
“The leaks point to a lack of candour within Fianna Fáil. This lack of candour contributed to the current debacle and seriously weakened confidence in our internal decision-making.
“Accountability is now essential if we are to restore trust and credibility.”
The TDs said the controversy must not be allowed to overshadow the “historic milestone that is Fianna Fáil’s centenary”.
“The public expects better from us. We insist that the full report be published now, without any delay.
“Then the facts can be faced squarely, and responsibility accepted.
“Then Fianna Fáil move forward with unity, and purpose and commence its second century of service to the Irish people.”