FF considers total ‘close down’ on Áras race

THE Fianna Fáil leadership is considering a total “close down” on the presidency by not allowing TDs and senators to facilitate the entry of another candidate.

As a fresh split developed over how to approach the race, Micheál Martin is understood to believe Fianna Fáil would be best suited leaving the contest as it is.

He will be in contact with TDs and senators over the weekend to persuade them of his position after a tense parliamentary party meeting on Thursday failed to reach agreement on the issue.