Fianna Fáil election row The director of elections for Fianna Fáil's European election campaign, Mr John O'Donoghue TD, has reprimanded party councillors and TDs who have appeared on platforms with Mr Brian Crowley MEP outside the canvassing area designated for him by headquarters.
The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism has been forced to personally intervene in a split between Mr Crowley and Mr Gerard Collins MEP, which is becoming increasingly acrimonious.
In an internal war that mirrors the spat between the party's two candidates in the Northwest constituency, Mr Seán Ó Neachtain and Dr Jim McDaid, Mr Crowley has effectively refused to adhere to the canvassing plan drawn up by the party.
Supporters of both candidates have also disregarded the postering boundaries, with Crowley 'Number One' posters widespread in Limerick and Tipperary, while Collins posters have been appearing in Cork.
Mr O'Donoghue has reprimanded Fianna Fáil TDs and candidates who have joined the platforms along with Mr Crowley outside his allotted area.
Two weekends ago Mr Crowley made a public visit to Nenagh, and the local media were out in force, subsequently carrying a number of photographs of prominent members of the local party with the Cork-based candidate.
"I was told he was going to be there, so I had no choice but to meet him, because I know him and it would have been an insult," said one Fianna Fáil figure.
Mr O'Donoghue is believed to have called all of the politicians who were pictured with Mr Crowley in the local newspapers during his visit, including local TD Ms Máire Hoctor, making them aware of the strict boundary that is supposed to exist between both candidates.
Although Mr O'Donoghue has been remonstrating with the grass roots activists, privately, senior party officials believe the intense rivalry between the Collins and Crowley camps will help to drive the party's vote up, and help Mr Collins secure his seat, in the three-seat constituency.