Independent Fianna Fáil

Independent Fianna Fáil ( _ga. Fianna Fáil Neamhspleách) was a splinter republican party created by Neil Blaney after his expulsion from Fianna Fáil following the Irish Arms Crisis (1969–1970). It ceased to exist on 26 July 2006.

The "party" existed solely in County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland and, in particular, in Blaney's old constituency of Donegal North East. Blaney's nephew Niall Blaney was elected as an Independent Fianna Fáil Teachta Dála (TD) for the constituency and there were two county councillors, both member of Donegal County Council and two town councillors, one a member of Letterkenny Town Council and one a member of Buncrana Town Council.

Paddy Keaveney (father of Fianna Fáil TD Cecilia Keaveney) was elected for Independent Fianna Fáil in the by-election in 1976 following the death of Liam Cunningham. Keaveney lost his seat at the 1977 general election.

In 1979 Niall Blaney was elected to the european parliament for the Connaught Ulster Constiuency, he narrowly lost the seat in 1984 but was returned to serve as an MEP in 1989. [ [http://www.electionsireland.org/result.cfm?election=1989E&cons=48 1989 European Election Results Connaught/Ulster electionsireland.org] ]

In a number of elections Paddy Kelly stood under the IFF banner in elections in Donegal South West unsuccessfully, he was however elected to the council for the Glenties ward, in the 1999 Local elections. [ [http://electionsireland.org/candidate.cfm?id=4251 Paddy Kelly - election performance, electionsireland.org] ]

Jackie Healy-Rae TD for Kerry South also runs under the banner of Independent Fianna Fáil. [ [http://www.jackiehealyrae.com Jackie Healy-Rae, Independent Fianna Fáil] ] Healy-Rae continues to use the Independent Fianna Fáil name on his posters and flyers as part of the canvass for the 2007 general election, although he had no connection to the IFF party.

Blaney legacy

*Neal Blaney was elected to the 5th Dáil on 12 August 1927 as Fianna Fáil Teachta Dála and successfully contested all general elections until the 13th Dáil which was elected in 1948. He was defeated in the 1938 general election but was elected to the 3rd Seanad on the Agricultural Panel.
* His son, Neil Blaney successfully contested one by-election to succeed his father and 14 subsequent general elections. He was a TD from 1948 to 1995. He was a Cabinet Minister on several occasions
* A brother of Neil, Harry Blaney, succeeded his brother and was a TD in the 28th Dáil.
* Harry's son, Niall Blaney is a TD in the current Dáil.

Absorption by Fianna Fáil

Independent Fianna Fáil was absorbed by Fianna Fáil on 26 July 2006 following a formal application by Niall Blaney to join Fianna Fáil.

See also

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References