Martin forerunner in race for leadership

MICHEÁL MARTIN was first out of the blocks after the Fianna Fáil leadership became vacant — announcing his candidacy for the position and then watching as a steady stream of TDs declared support for him.

But the other leadership candidates insisted they had private assurances of support from TDs and the contest would not become a coronation of Mr Martin.

Among those who declared for Mr Martin were Cork TDs Billy Kelleher, Ned O’Keeffe, Noel O’Flynn, Michael McGrath and Michael Ahern.