Fianna Fail party member Cllr Kieran O'Hanlon recently circulated 4,000 copies of an election newsletter in the traditional Fianna Fail style and party colours - except there is no mention of the party anywhere in the glossy, four-page handout.

But Cllr O'Hanlon said the newsletter - which was produced at his own expense - was simply meant to be about himself, and subsequent material - including some 300 election posters and 4,000 leaflets - will bear the party's name.

"I'm very proud of my party. The newsletter is about myself and I'll make no apology to anyone for that," he said, adding "A lot of my vote is personal."

However, Cllr O'Hanlon - a member of Fianna Fail for 10 years - conceded that it will be a challenging time for Fianna Fail election candidates, and he has own criticisms of the party's recent performance in Government.

"Obviously I'm very disappointed with the way the economy has gone and I believe Fianna Fail in Government have to take responsibility for some of the mistakes that have been made," he said.

He continued: "I'm extremely disappointed with the withdrawal of the Christmas bonus and I believe that could have been handled a lot differently."

Cllr O'Hanlon, who began canvassing as a Fianna Fail candidate last night, laughed off suggestions by political sources that he was on "a sinking ship and needed to get off."

"Certainly it's going to be difficult for any Fianna Fail candidate; it's a challenge. But people must vote for what they need at City Hall," he said.

A former member of the Progressive Democrats, he said he counts former members of the party among his 80-strong campaign team.

However, Noel Hannan, a Garryowen community activist, and Independent candidate, has questioned whether Cllr O'Hanlon is "ashamed of Fianna Fail?" after he viewed the newsletter.

"Is he trying to fool the people of Garryowen? What's his game? Years ago he jumped ship from the PDs and now he's jumping ship again. I just want to know why Fianna Fail isn't (mentioned] there and I'd like Willie O'Dea to make a statement on it too," said Mr Hannan, who is better known locally as "Buster."