Dooley denies party rift

STORIES emerging in the national media had identified Clare TD Timmy Dooley as one of Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin’s few confidants within the party. Reports also claimed there is growing dissatisfaction with a perceived secretive approach by the party leader.

However when contacted by The Clare Champion on Wednesday, Deputy Dooley rejected the substance of the story.

“All I’d say is that we are a small parliamentary party and the party leader consults widely. I don’t believe that anyone is particularly close or not close to him.”

While Mr Dooley rejected the substance of the two Irish Independent stories, he acknowledged that the 2014 local and European elections are crucial for the party as a whole.

“Next year will be a big test for the organisation, to see if we can capitalise and win back council seats lost in 2009.”

He feels the party has done a lot of rebuilding already.

“The party is rebuilding around the country and identifying new candidates for local elections and working hard on that. There has been a lot of hard work done at Dáil level as well over the last two years.

“About 40 pieces of legislation have been drafted by Fianna Fáil front bench spokespeople, a lot of good work and it’s showing in the opinion polls.”