Martin extends lead but FF leadership race remains open

MICHEÁL MARTIN remains the front-runner to be the next Fianna Fáil leader, with the number of TDs publicly declaring they will support him in tomorrow’s vote now in excess of 20.

Some 71 Fianna Fáil TDs will cast their votes at a meeting of the parliamentary party at 2pm tomorrow, meaning 36 votes is the target for each of the four leadership candidates.

The momentum seemed with Mr Martin with the number of declarations for him increasing. From a situation where 12 had declared for him over the weekend, that number rose to more than 20 by last night.