MR P.J. MARA, the public relations consultant, has been appointed national director of elections for Fianna Fail in the next general election. Press spokesman for the former Taoiseach, Mr Charles Haughey, Mr Mara will be the first non politician to hold this post. The election team will also comprise any MEPs who may decide not to run for the Dail.

The Fianna Fail front bench also announced its plan to conclude all candidate selection conventions in the last quarter of the year.