Supporters of Mayo Independent TD Beverley Flynn attended her campaign launch last evening in Castlebar despite a written warning that they risked expulsion from Fianna Fáil.
Leading members of the old Micheál Ó Moráin cumann, which was disbanded following the expulsion of Ms Flynn from Fianna Fáil in 2005, were among about 200 people who attended the meeting. The premises at Market Square is owned by the candidate's partner, Tony Gaughan.
Ms Flynn's father Pádraig and mother Dorothy were both there.
The former EU commissioner did not speak but he smiled as his daughter thanked the crowd.
Four past presidents of the Ó Moráin cumann - Jimmy Rowland, Josie Livingstone, Paddy Glynn and Larry McHale - as well as former chairman John Browne, greeted and hugged Ms Flynn as she arrived.
Mr Glynn told reporters the "expulsion edict" did not worry him in the slightest.
"I believe Beverley will top the poll or thereabouts. I also believe she will be back in the Fianna Fáil fold after she wins a seat in the election."
Another long-standing supporter, taxi-driver PJ Kelly said he was not impressed to get a letter saying he would be expelled from the party if he supported Ms Flynn. "To be quite honest the letter annoyed me," he said.
Mr Browne, who chaired the proceedings, told the crowd that not alone was Ms Flynn a "class act" but she was "a future Taoiseach in waiting".
Another established Fianna Fáil figure, Seán McCann, is to serve as her director of elections.
Ms Flynn said that after being elected as an Independent she may hold the balance of power following the election. She would not be slow to seek benefits for the people of Castlebar in the event of such an eventuality.