Ivan Yates provided four hours of media training to Jim Gavin, says Fianna Fail

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.

Speaking on his Today FM radio programme on Monday, Matt Cooper, the podcast’s other host said Mr Yeats’ media coaching had not been declared to him and “I came to a decision that it wasn’t appropriate for the listeners not to know about what work he had done from Jim Gavin when he was providing commentary on Jim Gavin.”

Later on The Last Word with Matt Cooper the issue of Mr Yeats coaching of other Fianna Fail politicians, including ministers, was discussed with DCU’s Professor Gary Murphy who said: “I just think it betrays the trust of the listeners.”

“That somebody who was engaged in preparatory work, no matter what, whether it’s broadcast or public policy, can then comment freely as if they were not.”

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.”

Mr Yates also drew attention during the presidential campaign after he said Fine Gael needed to respond to opinion polls putting left-wing independent candidate Catherine Connolly ahead by attempting to “smear the bejaysus” out of her.

Ms Connolly responded at the time to say she was “absolutely shocked” and that he had “exposed without hesitation what Fine Gael are up to”.

It is still unclear what effect the presidential election will have on Irish politics – particularly on coalition government parties Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

Taoiseach and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin is facing questions about his leadership after he championed Mr Gavin as a candidate, who then withdrew from the campaign three weeks before polling day.

His late withdrawal meant Mr Gavin’s name remained on the ballot and he garnered 7% of the valid vote.

Fianna Fail are carrying out a review of how Mr Gavin was selected.

Tanaiste Simon Harris has also come under some pressure after Fine Gael’s candidate Heather Humphreys polled at 29% in an election that effectively had just two candidates, and what has been criticised as a “negative” campaign.

Catherine Connolly is to be inaugurated as Ireland’s tenth president next Tuesday, November 11.