Stephen Donnelly has dramatically applied to join Fianna Fáil, Independent.ie can reveal.

The Wicklow/East Carlow TD formally submitted his application to the party just five months after quitting the Social Democrats.

The application will be discussed by the parliamentary party today and was formally ratified this morning after a recommendation was accepted from party leader Micheal Martin.

There has been widespread speculation in recent weeks about Mr Donnelly's future since his decision to quit the party formed with TDs Roisin Shortall and Catherine Murphy.

Fianna Fáil currently has one TD in the constituency, Pat Casey, who has strongly built up his name in recent weeks.

Online Editors