With Martin’s dithering, a leadership challenge awaits

“HE has no choice but to put it to bed, because if he doesn’t there’s a direct challenge to his own leadership.”

That was how one long-serving Fianna Fáil politician summed up the reality facing leader Micheál Martin ahead of today’s meeting of the parliamentary party, in which he will aim to bring an end to the in-fighting over its approach to the presidential election.

Fianna Fáil, which had been split on whether members should be allowed a “free vote” to back an independent candidate of choice, are now prepared to row in behind their leader and put on a show of unity after a damaging week.