Independent Fianna Fáil (Irish: 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 Senator 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 Connacht–Ulster constituency. He narrowly lost the seat in the 1984 election but was returned to serve as an MEP in 1989 election.[1]
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. [2]
Jackie Healy-Rae TD for Kerry South also runs under the banner of Independent Fianna Fáil.[3] 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.
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Independent Fianna Fáil was absorbed by Fianna Fáil on 26 July 2006 following a formal application by Niall Blaney to join Fianna Fáil.
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