Martin’s popularity not enough for running mate McGrath

SINCE his election as leader of Fianna Fáil this constituency focus has all been on Micheál Martin, and what he can do to hold up the share of the vote.

While he does manage to hold the Fianna Fáil share at a higher level than seen nationally, it doesn’t appear as yet to be enough to save his running mate Michael McGrath from possibly missing out on being elected.

Instead, it is Fine Gael who reap the dividends of an improved share, despite not making as good gains in first preference support as Labour overall.