Martin asks for forgiveness for FF ‘mistakes’

A VICTORIOUS Micheál Martin pleaded with the country to forgive Fianna Fáil’s “mistakes” in power as he took the helm of a party facing in to a bitter electoral backlash.

Installed as the eighth leader of Fianna Fáil — but unable to assume the title taoiseach because the party would be too weak to get the nomination through the Dáil, Mr Martin said “sorry” for his role in Government decisions which worsened the slump.

“I am very sorry for the mistakes we made as a party and I made as a minister,” he said after his convincing win in the four-way contest was announced.