Buckley is understood to be moving into the private sector in the autumn after four-and-a-half years as Fianna Fail's media director. Her move follows the exit last week of Colin Hunt, another influential member of the 2007 election team, who was employed as Brian Cowen's economic advisor.

Buckley joined Fianna Fail from the Kerry Group where she held a senior public affairs position. She was heavily involved with Fianna Fail's general secretary Sean Dorgan in the promotion of new Dail candidates.

She also played a significant role last autumn when the first revelations about Bertie Ahern's personal finances first emerged.

Along with the departures of Buckley and Hunt, Ahern is also faced with the loss of senior government adviser Gerry Howlin who is leaving to pursue new interests in the autumn.