A row between election organisers and one of the two Fianna Fáil candidates in Kerry North has resulted in the party chairman in the constituency being appointed as "go-between".
Fianna Fáil risks losing its seat to the Sinn Féin candidate, Mr Martin Ferris, and desperately needs a tight transfer of votes between candidates.
Ms Maria Gorman, the Fianna Fáil director of elections in the constituency, confirmed last night that there had been "difficulties in communication" between herself and the election organisers in the constituency and Mr Tom McEllistrim.
She asked that the party chairman, Mr Ned O'Sullivan, be appointed as go-between to resolve the difficulties.
Sources within the McEllistrim camp in Kerry North said there had been growing dissatisfaction at the sidelining of their candidate in favour of Senator Dan Kiely.
Party bosses in Dublin also appear to favour Senator Kiely, as does the sitting TD, Mr Denis Foley, it is suggested.
Mr McEllistrim was extremely annoyed he was not invited on to a recent Prime Time programme.
He also claims he has not been given enough notice of the visits of seven Ministers who have come to the constituency over the last month or so.
Some political observers claim Fianna Fáil is making a mistake in attempting to sideline Mr McEllistrim.
Mr McEllistrim, who is the third generation of his family to enter politics, lives in the more populous area of the constituency, they point out.
Recent opinion polls have shown both candidates neck-and-neck.
Mr O'Sullivan said last night: "I'm confident all the internal tension will be beneficial and productive and will drive our vote up. I hope this is the final hiccup. We're getting our act together."