Fianna Fβil says it will not select its director of elections until the next General Election is called as speculation continues over the future role of the most recent holder of that position, Mr P.J. Mara, writes Mark Brennock, Political Correspondent.
While Mr Mara has been a key member of the party committee preparing strategy and vetting candidates for the next election, that committee has now completed its work. Mr Mara's past and future appearance before the Flood tribunal led to speculation that he might not assume the high-profile director of elections post.
While in the past such appointments have been made close to the election, it has usually been clear for many months in advance who would be appointed.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, who appointed Mr Mara last time, has made no comment on his intentions on filling the post for the next election. Mr Mara himself was effectively in place for a considerable period before the 1997 General Election, during which he led Fianna Fβil to what was seen as an outstanding result, winning 77 seats with just over 39 per cent of the vote.
However, Mr Mara, Government Press Secretary and adviser to Mr Charles Haughey during his years as Fianna Fβil leader and Taoiseach, faced allegations, which he strongly denied, at the Flood tribunal.
The allegations, although rejected by Mr Mara and unproven, caused unease within the party at the time.
Mr Mara admitted to the tribunal that he had been "negligent" and "deficient" in failing to disclose fully details of all bank accounts in his name, as directed by the tribunal in December 2000. He apologised several times to the tribunal on Wednesday for this.
