Martin calls for FF unity following defeat

LAST night’s Fianna Fáil meeting ended with a call of unity from Micheál Martin who told his supporters to unite behind Taoiseach Brian Cowen, following his side’s victory by a significant margin in a vote of confidence in his leadership.

After his failed bid to oust Mr Cowen as leader of Fianna Fáil, Mr Martin congratulated his opponent in front of party members and said the Taoiseach would have full party support.

Some 18 TDs gave their views in the meeting, which lasted around three hours.