THIS FRIDAY’S MEETING of Fianna Fáil’s national executive will be asked to vote on a motion put forward by its youth wing, seeking the expulsion of Albert Reynolds from the party.
The motion will be brought by representatives from Ógra Fianna Fáil, who this evening also said they would support all six of the motions brought by party leader Micheál Martin to expel other members including Bertie Ahern.
Reynolds, who served as taoiseach between 1992 and 1994, largely escaped attention when the final report of the Mahon Tribunal was published last week, as he was excused on giving evidence on medical grounds.
Despite that, however, the Tribunal’s final report said Reynolds had abused his political power as Taoiseach by soliciting a donation from developer Owen O’Callaghan in exchange for government support in his proposed national stadium at Neilstown in Dublin.
He was also criticised for failing to act when he learned of the IR£50,000 donation made by Tom Gilmartin to Padraig Flynn in 1989, which had been intended by Gilmartin as a donation to Fianna Fáil but which Flynn is accused of personally retaining.
Ógra president Eamon Quinlan said it had been a tough decision for the youth wing to seek Reynolds’ expulsion given his health – he is reported to be suffering from memory loss – “but every member of Fianna Fáil is equal and must be treated as such”.
“It is hugely regrettable that such action has been forced upon us by past actions, however we feel it necessary to maintain the integrity of Fianna Fáil that actions which bring the party into disrepute have consequences,” he said.
Earlier today former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, EU commissioner Pádraig Flynn and former councillor John Hannon all resigned from the party, ahead of votes on Friday which would have seen them expelled from its membership.
Votes will still be held on the expulsion of three other members, former TD and senator G.V. Wright, former senator Don Lydon and former councillor Finbarr Hanrahan.
TheJournal.ie understands that Wright has also indicated his intention to resign his party membership ahead of Friday’s meeting.
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