Cowen tells Martin not to canvass in his constituency

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen told Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to concentrate his efforts on other constituencies because his presence was not needed to secure seats in Laois-Offaly.

Mr Martin said the decision for him not to canvass in either Mr Cowen’s or in Tánaiste Mary Coughlan’s constituencies was not because of animosity from the recent heave.

Mr Martin said he had spoken to the Taoiseach about the party’s prospects in Laois-Offaly and he was told the new leader’s profile would not be necessary in its effort to retain three seats.