Micheál Martin says he hasn't received FF presidential report as senior TDs call for it's publication 'immediately'

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said he has not received the review into the party’s failed presidential campaign, as he slammed leaks of the report as “false assertions”.

Pressure is mounting on the Taoiseach to publish the review, as TDs and senators are growing impatient in its delay. The report will detail the process of selecting Dublin GAA boss Jim Gavin as its Áras candidate, after he sensationally quit when it was revealed he owed a former tenant €3,300.

It was initially expected that the review would be published in mid November. However, while the central figure of the review - Mr Gavin - refused to take part, the final draft has been sent to his legal team for a response.

Senior party TDs are calling for the review to be published “immediately” before its parliamentary party meeting this week. In a statement, longstanding TDs Willie O’Dea, Seán Ó Fearghaíl and Pat Gallagher insist that the review be published “now, without delay”.

The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week

They added: “TDs and senators must now be given adequate time to read the report in full, to reflect on its conclusions, and to discuss its implications for the future of the party at a special Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting. We need a frank and informed discussion.”

The politicians also said the leaking of material from the report is “unacceptable”, adding: “The leaks point to a lack of candour within Fianna Fáil. This lack of candour contributed to the current debacle and seriously weakened confidence in our internal decision-making.

"Accountability is now essential if we are to restore trust and credibility." The TD’s said once the review is published “the facts can be faced squarely, and responsibility accepted”.

In a statement released on Monday evening, the Taoiseach said Fianna Fáil wants to be “absolutely clear that the party leader has not yet received the report”. He said: “The Committee is finalising the report. The leader has been keen to allow the review committee to do its work independently.”

Over the weekend, the Irish Mail on Sunday reported that the Taoiseach’s most senior adviser was aware of concerns over Mr Gavin’s failure to repay a tenant €3,300 four days before he was selected as the Áras candidate.

The publication also reported that deputy leader Jack Chambers was informed of the difficulties about the tenant the day before the internal selection convention on September 9. Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne said there will be “serious issues” if these revelations are revealed to be true when the report is published.

Mr Martin said the commentary over the review in the past week has been “extremely disappointing, selective and inaccurate.” He added: “The leader takes exception, in particular, to some of what has been written over the weekend which has been based on false assertions.

“A meeting of the Fianna Fail parliamentary party will of course be convened to discuss the full report, including its findings and recommendations for the future, when it has been received.”

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.