Fianna F谩il senator Mark Daly sacked over election launch

Image source, David Young/PA

Image caption, Senator Mark Daly (right) has been sacked as Fianna F谩il deputy leader in the Irish senate

Fianna F谩il Senator Mark Daly has been sacked as the party's deputy Seanad (Irish senate) leader and spokesperson for foreign affairs.

It follows Senator Daly and member of Irish parliament 脡amon 脫 Cu铆v's role in appearing to announce a Fianna F谩il candidate in Northern Ireland.

Cllr Sorcha McAnespy was said to be contesting next May's local council election as a Fianna F谩il candidate.

But Fianna F谩il said it had made "no decision" on contesting the election.

Fianna F谩il headquarters said it was in talks with the SDLP.

Ms McAnespy, a member of Fianna F谩il's national executive, sits on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

She was previously a Sinn F茅in councillor and secured a place on the Fianna F谩il national executive last year.

Senator Daly told Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme that there was a great impatience in the party in relation to the pace of talks with the SDLP.

"For the last five years, we have said that we will contest elections in the north and that was long time before any discussions with the SDLP."

Senator Daly said that it was party policy that Fianna F谩il would take part in elections in Northern Ireland adding that "a lot of people" have contacted him in relation to running as candidates for the party.

Accepts leader's decision

He also said that he accepts Fianna F谩il leader Miche谩l Martin's decision and that he would continue to work hard on behalf of his constituents.

"In my position as foreign affairs spokesperson, for the last number of years I have worked closely with John Deasy TD in his role as the government's US Envoy, our party spokespersons on foreign Affairs, members of the US Congress, as well as the White House on the proposed visas for Irish citizens," he said.

It is understood that 脡amon 脫 Cu铆v, who is a senior member of the party, is to meet Miche谩l Martin later on Wednesday evening.

Fianna F谩il is currently the main opposition party in the Republic of Ireland and is expected to unveil a number of other candidates.

Party roots

Established in 1926, Fianna F谩il has long claimed to be Ireland's true republican party.

It has often faced questions on why it would not contest elections on a 32-county basis.

Its eventual decision marks a significant move in the political landscape on the island and comes when the debate over Irish unity has gained renewed traction due to Brexit.