Fianna Fáil has signalled that an independent review into its failed presidential campaign may not be finalised by the agreed deadline of next Wednesday.
In a statement, the party said: "While the aim for publication was 12 November, the chairman and committee members need to conduct an independent and fair process and this may take longer than originally planned."
Under the terms of reference for the review, the report was due to be completed by next Wednesday; then sent to the party leader Micheál Martin for review; and finally circulated within the parliamentary party and discussed at one of the weekly meetings of TDs, senators and MEPs.
It is understood that a significant number of one-to-one meetings have taken place between the independent review and members of the parliamentary party.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is also due to be interviewed by the review team, but he is currently in Brazil attending the UN climate summit, or COP.
He is expected to return to Ireland tonight.
Earlier this week, Mr Martin suggested that the review was proceeding as planned.
He said in Brazil: " That's on track as far as I can see. But, I mean, we're going to deal with this and be quite calm about it. No big deal."
The independent review was announced last month following the shock exit of the Fianna Fáil candidate Jim Gavin - a development which triggered rancour within the party, much of it directed at Mr Martin.
The review is led by external legal expert; it has an independent secretariat; and three members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party are also involved: Tom Brabazon, Eamon Scanlon, Margaret Murphy O'Mahony.
One politician interviewed by the review team said they were operating in a "very thorough manner".
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Discontent in Fianna Fáil at review delay
Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central Pádraig O'Sullivan said that it is "very disappointing" that the independent review of the party's presidential campaign is likely to be delayed.
He said: "The parliamentary party entered the process in good faith and were reassured by both the leader and [party] whip in recent days that it was on track."
"There was a considerable amount of time spent, nearly 2 weeks initially, where very little was done in terms of the review. It has picked up pace in the last week but this delay was expected given the slow start."
Asked about the delay, Fianna Fáil Cork East TD James O'Connor said: "The court of Louis XIV have preoccupied themselves with composing lists, instead of participating in the review of which they self created the terms of reference."
The full statement from Fianna Fáil said: "The independent review is ongoing and while the aim for publication was 12 November, the chairman and committee members need to conduct an independent and fair process and this may take longer than originally planned.
"It is most important that this review is independent as agreed by the parliamentary party."
At last Wednesday's Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting, several TDs expressed anger that their names were included on a putative list of rebels plotting a no confidence motion in party leader Micheál Martin.
Those who spoke on the issue included James O'Connor, Pádraig O’Sullivan, Erin McGreehan, Peter 'Chap' Cleere and Seán Ó Fearghaíl.
The list which contains the names of those described as rebels and old guard was circulated last week.
The Fianna Fáil whip, Mary Butler, expects to receive an update from the independent review committee next week.
