Micheál leads the party but celebrations put on hold

THERE was no early-hour singsong or revelling with the troops as Micheál Martin showed a stark contrast to his predecessor by having an early night after becoming leader of Fianna Fáil.

The second Cork man to hold the job is said to be saving the celebrations until he heads home over the weekend after what has been a frantic first 24 hours in the job.

After claiming victory in the leadership vote on Wednesday, Mr Martin appeared on RTÉ’s Prime Time. Afterwards there was “no partying” for the clean-living politician dubbed the head of the “prim and proper alliance” of Leinster House.