Martin faces struggle in attempt to overhaul Seanad team

MICHEÁL MARTIN was facing a fresh test of his leadership last night over his attempts to transform Fianna Fáil’s Seanad team.

The Fianna Fáil leader — who only managed to return 20 TDs at the election — had signalled he wanted to use the upper house to give the party a younger, more relevant image.

However, veteran Fianna Fáil senators are believed to be digging in their heels at the prospect of being asked to stand aside to allow fresh faces, like the party’s political reform spokesperson Averil Power, to gain a national platform in the Seanad.