Martin hopes strong constituency backing will help topple Cowen

MICHEÁL MARTIN is seeking to use strong support from the Cork constituencies as the head of the wedge he hopes will topple Taoiseach Brian Cowen as leader of Fianna Fáil.

Just one deputy from Mr Martin’s native county, Enterprise Minister Batt O’Keeffe, has publicly backed the Taoiseach.

Four TDs have spoken out against their party leader and the remaining three have welcomed Mr Martin’s move to force a vote, although they did not reveal whose side they were on.