Fianna F\u00e1il has signalled that an independent review into its failed presidential campaign may not be finalised by the agreed deadline of next Wednesday.<\/p>\n
In a statement, the party said: “While the aim for publication was 12 November, the chairman and committee members need to conduct an independent and fair process and this may take longer than originally planned.”<\/p>\n
Under the terms of reference for the review, the report was due to be completed by next Wednesday; then sent to the party leader Miche\u00e1l Martin for review; and finally circulated within the parliamentary party and discussed at one of the weekly meetings of TDs, senators and MEPs.<\/p>\n
It is understood that a significant number of one-to-one meetings have taken place between the independent review and members of the parliamentary party.<\/p>\n
Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin is also due to be interviewed by the review team, but he is currently in Brazil attending the UN climate summit, or COP.<\/p>\n
He is expected to return to Ireland tonight.<\/p>\n
The independent review was announced last month following the shock exit of the Fianna F\u00e1il candidate Jim Gavin – a development which triggered rancour within the party, much of it directed at Mr Martin.<\/p>\n
The review is led by external legal expert; it has an independent secretariat; and three members of the Fianna F\u00e1il parliamentary party are also involved: Tom Brabazon, Eamon Scanlon, Margaret Murphy O’Mahony.<\/p>\n
One politician interviewed by the review team said they were operating in a “very thorough manner”.<\/p>\n
Fianna F\u00e1il TD for Cork North Central P\u00e1draig O’Sullivan said that it is “very disappointing” that the independent review of the party’s presidential campaign is likely to be delayed. <\/p>\n
He said: “The parliamentary party entered the process in good faith and were reassured by both the leader and [party] whip in recent days that it was on track.”<\/p>\n
“There was a considerable amount of time spent, nearly 2 weeks initially, where very little was done in terms of the review. It has picked up pace in the last week but this delay was expected given the slow start.” <\/p>\n
The full statement from Fianna F\u00e1il said: “The independent review is ongoing and while the aim for publication was 12 November, the chairman and committee members need to conduct an independent and fair process and this may take longer than originally planned.<\/p>\n
“It is most important that this review is independent as agreed by the parliamentary party.”<\/p>\n