The former Social Democrats TD Stephen Donnelly has applied to join Fianna Fáil.
The news was announced at a closed meeting of Fianna Fail TDs and Senators in Leinster House this morning.
Donnelly co-founded the Social Democrats in July 2015 but resigned from the fledgling party last September.
Before setting up the new party he had regularly been approached by Fianna Fáil figures about joining them, and has now officially applied to do so.
Carlow/Kilkenny Dail Deputy Bobby Aylward says it’s very welcome news for the party.