A FORMER Fianna Fáil strategist has claimed the party leadership "pulled back" from efforts for a partnership plan with the SDLP.
Derek Mooney, a Fianna Fáil government adviser until 2010, said he "still cannot fully fathom" why the party resiled from the move.
A year ago the SDLP and Fianna Fáil agreed to a new partnership, but little has been heard of it since then and questions have been raised over its future.
The Republic's recent election campaign saw some SDLP reps out canvassing for Fianna Fáil but others backing a number of candidates from rival parties.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael both suffered poor electoral results amid a surge in support for Sinn Féin.
Mr Mooney was an adviser to Fianna Fáil's Willie O'Dea when he was defence minister.
While not involved in more recent partnership discussions, Mr Mooney was asked by Fianna Fáil in 2011 and 2016 to prepare reports on its northern operations which led to examining the potential for a closer relationship with the SDLP.
Reacting to an Irish News article on the partnership, David McCann from politics website Slugger O'Toole tweeted: "The partnership was a real opportunity to drive a new dynamic. Shame to see that it's languishing with no movement."
Mr Mooney replied: "This is sadly true. I worked hard with so many people to help create and deliver this opportunity.
"The leadership shown north of the border was initially matched by those in Dublin, but they then started to pull back for reasons I still cannot fully fathom."
