Ivan Yates coached presidential hopeful Jim Gavin in two two-hour sessions, says Fianna Fail

"Like all political parties, Fianna Fáil 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 (of failed candidate Mr Gavin)."

"Ivan provided two sessions in the early stage of the campaign, between the period 23rd September to 29th September. There was no further training or intervention provided after 29th September. Ivan's training totalled approximately four hours. He did not provide any campaign advice, nor was he involved in the campaign team."

Newstalk is reviewing political commentator Ivan Yates' work after he failed to inform them of a potential conflict of interest. Fianna Fáil confirmed the party uses media skills consultants and works with multiple providers on an ad-hoc basis. The party retained Ivan Yates for interview and debate training for candidate Gavin, with sessions focused on in-studio interview practicalities and preparations for two programmes. Yates provided two sessions between 23 and 29 September, totaling approximately four hours, and did not provide campaign advice or join the campaign team. Candidate Gavin later withdrew after questioning about overpaid rent reported by the Irish Independent.

Read at Irish Independent