Flynn on board with promise of junior ministry

INDEPENDENT Beverley Flynn has been promised a junior ministry and a return to the Fianna Fail ranks in return for supporting the new Government, sources close to the Mayo TD said.

The 39-year-old was expelled from the party in 2004 after losing a libel action over claims that she helped National Irish Bank customers to evade tax.

Sources said she had reached a verbal agreement with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday.

Bev, famously described as "a class act" by her father, former EU Commissioner Padraig 'Pee' Flynn, refused to confirm reports that the deal included a junior ministerial post and a return to Fianna Fail.

But she was smiling as she returned to Leinster House flanked by family members yesterday.

"I can't comment at the moment except to say it'll all become apparent soon. I'm very happy," she said.

Yesterday, she said she was thrilled with the deal she had obtained, which included a "very generous package" for her Mayo constituency and an improvement in her personal position.

Mr Ahern is not due to announce his list of junior ministers until next week but the prospect of Ms Flynn getting a promotion has infuriated party members in Mayo.

Castlebar cumann sent an angry email to FF headquarters demanding to know the details of the deal. It is said to be deeply unhappy at the prospect of her leapfrogging over new TD Dara Calleary.

His supporters have warned that resignations are inevitable if Ms Flynn is re-admitted to the party.

It is understood one of Ms Flynn's demands was for a senior Cabinet position. There were also reports that she had requested a position on a State board for her father.

Ms Flynn is facing a High Court petition next Monday to have her declared bankrupt for failing to pay RTE €2.84m in legal costs and unpaid interest.

If this occurs she would be unable to serve as a TD.