The new Fianna Fáil constituency colleague of Colm Keaveney, Michael Kitt said everyone would have to "fight their own corner" in the next general election.

Mr Kitt was speaking to RTÉ about the "surprise" announcement yesterday, which means both sitting TDs are likely to compete in the newly drawn three-seater constituency of Galway East.

On the subject of previously critical comments made by Mr Keaveney about his new party, Mr Kitt said: “I know he is going to have a lot of questions to answer in relation to things he has said about Fianna Fáil in the past.”

However, he added that while there was a degree of local surprise and mixed feelings, many felt the party must broaden its support base.

Former minister for defence Willie O’Dea also expressed a qualified welcome to his new colleague, saying ahead of yesterday’s parliamentary party meeting that he had hoped the matter had been dealt with properly at a local level.

“My only thing would be, I just wonder how the local organisation . . . I would be concerned about the local organisation in east Galway and [how] the local TD would be taking this,” he told RTÉ.

“But I presume the party has been talking to him; we will soon ascertain that. But subject to that I think that Colm would be a very good addition to the party.”