A former Fianna Fáil councillor who quit after appearing in an RTÉ programme that probed political lobbying has claimed the party is "anxious" to have him back.

Sligo county councillor Joe Queenan was one of three local councillors who spoke with an undercover reporter posing as a businesswoman.

She purported to represent a wind farm company seeking planning permission as part of the 'RTÉ Investigates' programme 'Standards In Public Office'.

Mr Queenan was recorded on camera offering to act as an intermediary for a company in return for an investment in a business he was planning.

The local representative has always denied any wrongdoing and is due to appear before a public hearing of the Standards in Public Office (Sipo) commission in September over the matter.

Speaking to the 'Sligo Champion', Mr Queenan has said he is "anxious" to return to Fianna Fáil and again stand for the party.

"I'm anxious to get back into the party and Fianna Fáil is anxious to get me back," he said.

He told the Irish Independent that he has support at all levels in the party locally.

Irish Independent