Mary Hanafin is being investigated by an internal Fianna Fáil committee over her decision to defy the party and contest the local elections.

In an extraordinary statement, party leader Micheal Martin expressed "great disappointment" at the move and indicated that the party will not campaign for the former Education Minister.

The remarks will further heighten tensions within the party which is divided over Ms Hanafin's decision to submit her nomination papers on Saturday morning.

“It was with great disappointment that we learned that Mary Hanafin, a party member of many years’ standing, chose to ignore Fianna Fáil’s well understood and long standing ratification process when she proceeded to submit nomination papers for the Blackrock LEA despite very clear instructions from the National Constituencies Committee that Fianna Fáil would be proceeding with a one candidate strategy," Mr Martin said.

According to the statement, Ms Hanafin will now be referred to an internal party committee and could potentially face censure.

"Mary Hanafin’s refusal to respect the process and openly defy the clearly expressed decision of the National Constituencies Committee will now be referred to the Ard Chomhairle’s Rules and Procedures Committee for investigation and ruling.

“In the meantime, the party will continue to campaign for the properly ratified candidate in Blackrock, Kate Feeney. Kate, the directly elected President of Ógra Fianna Fáil is a new voice in politics and will make an excellent Councillor if elected.”

Online Editors