Fianna Fáil defends hiring former Fine Gael minister Ivan Yates, calling scrutiny over the contract "not new" and politically driven.

Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins said the party is not required to disclose contracts, defending its hiring of former Fine Gael minister Ivan Yates to advise presidential candidate Jim Gavin, calling the controversy "not new" and "no big deal." He dismissed Fine Gael's criticism as politically motivated, aimed at undermining Taoiseach Mícheál Martin. Senator Anne Rabbitte expressed frustration that the issue dominates headlines, diverting attention from critical national challenges like housing, healthcare, and support for people with additional needs, urging a transparent review and focus on substantive policy.