Fianna Fail has said political commentator Ivan Yates gave four hours of media training to its presidential candidate Jim Gavin but did not provide campaign advice.
It was reported at the weekend by the Irish Independent that Mr Yates had worked with the Fianna Fail presidential candidate during the election campaign.
The revelation has prompted pressure on Fianna Fail to reveal the details of Mr Yates’ involvement and instigated a media fallout amid conflict of interest concerns.
Mr Yates is a former bookmaker, ex-Fine Gael minister and broadcaster who was a co-host of the Path To Power political podcast.
He is no longer to co-host the podcast in the wake of the revelations of his involvement with Mr Gavin’s campaign.
Newstalk said a review is under way after Mr Yates presented a programme on its airwaves on three dates during the presidential election campaign and did not inform it of “any conflict of interest”.
On Monday, Fianna Fail said Mr Yates provided in-studio interview training to Mr Gavin between September 23-29 which totalled around four hours.
Fianna Fail said in a statement: “Like all political parties, Fianna Fail has for many years used the services of media skills consultants.
“The party currently works with a number of providers, all on an ad-hoc basis.
“In relation to the recent presidential campaign, the party retained the services of Ivan Yates to provide interview and debate training.
“The focus of the training was on the practicalities of in-studio interviews and was centred on preparations for two specific programmes.
“Ivan provided two sessions in the early stage of the campaign, between the period September 23 to September 29.
“There was no further training or intervention provided after September 29.
“Ivan’s training totalled approximately four hours.
“He did not provide any campaign advice, nor was he involved in the campaign team.”
A spokeswoman for Newstalk said: “Ivan Yates operated as a cover presenter on Newstalk for three days during the presidential campaign on September 23, 24 and 25 from 9am-12pm.
“Ivan Yates did not inform Newstalk of any conflict of interest relating to the presidential election campaign.
“This matter is currently under review by Newstalk management.”
