FED-UP members of Fianna Fail in Co Donegal are considering the return of Independent Fianna Fail – and the dramatic return of the Blaneys to politics in the county.
Senior members of the party are angry and frustrated with the leadership of Micheal Martin, including County Councillor Brendan Byrne.
Sources confirmed to donegaldaily.com today that Independent Fianna Fail members who opposed the merger with the main party in 2006 as well as those who joined are considering a return.
“Fianna Fail under Micheal Martin has become controlling and is no longer in touch with the grassroots,” said one source.
“If we can persuade one of the Blaneys to start it off, you’ll see a huge defection to IFF,” the source added.
Niall Blaney dramatically quit politics – deciding not to defend his seat in Donegal North East. Sources said he personally was unlikely to re-enter politics.
Byrne yesterday rocked the party by announcing he was staying in Fianna Fail – but then launched a scathing attack on Mr Martin.
“Over the weekend I received a call from the party leader and I used that opportunity to articulate the view that he needs to change; he needs to give stronger leadership, better direction to Fianna Fail – either that or consider his position,” said Byrne.
“If Fianna Fail is to survive – and that is the big question now – Fianna Fail needs to re-connect with the grassroots to be the great party it once was. All of that is gone, dead.
“Unfortunately in the leadership of Micheal Martin I do not see him striving to connect with the organisation. He has failed to re-organise party headquarters. The grassroots have asked me to stay in the party to be a vocal critic and to articulate the views of the people on the ground.
“If we don’t reconnect with the people in the next number of months, the party will be decimated.”
Byrne is still angry at Fianna Fail HQ decision to run two candidates in Donegal South West in this year’s General Election, a decision which cost close ally and friend Mary Coughlan her Dail seat.
He also believes the party should have fought the Presidential election.