Martin faces battle over FF reform plan

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin faces a battle to push through reforms of the party structure at this weekend’s ard fheis with one of his frontbenchers among those opposing his plans.

Frontbench spokesman John Browne, a Wexford TD and former junior minister, says he will be voting against a motion to introduce the “one member, one vote” system which Mr Martin sees as key to rebuilding the party.

The spokesman on fisheries and the marine believes party members in his Wexford constituency will also reject the proposed changes, which would see each party member have an equal say in selecting candidates and deciding policy positions at conventions.