The process of finding a strategic partner for Telecom Eireann is in shambles because of "internal confusion in the Government" about the future of the 65 per cent that will not be sold, according to Fianna Fail.

Mr Seamus Brennan, the Fianna Fail spokesman on communications, told the Dail yesterday that:

"This lack of clarity and confusion within the Government led to eight of the 10 groups interested in Telecom withdrawing." Speaking on the adjournment, Mr Brennan said Fianna Fail would table a private member's motion condemning the handling of the sale by the Minister for Transport Energy and Communications, Mr Lowry. The process, which has cost £4.1 million in consultants fees to date should be called off, said Mr Brennan.