Martin: FF face massacre in next election

FIANNA FÁIL will suffer a “significant hammering” in the next election, Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin admitted, as party support dropped further and backbench TDs pushed for a change in leadership.

Mr Martin criticised the communications strategy of Taoiseach Brian Cowen, but said he has “led the country through the worst of the recession” and there are “very difficult days and months ahead”.

Pressure is growing on Mr Cowen after an opinion poll showed Fianna Fáil is in for an election massacre with the loss of between 20 and 30 seats based on its current level of support at 24%.