Martin pressure grows as Ó Cuív resigns

The challenges facing Micheál Martin ahead of his crucial first ard fheis as Fianna Fáil leader multiplied last night after Éamon Ó Cuív sensationally resigned as his deputy.

It followed a major row between the two over Fianna Fáil policy on the fiscal compact treaty, the new set of budget rules for Europe.

Under Mr Martin, the party is supporting a “Yes” vote in the referendum on the treaty. However, Mr Ó Cuív disagrees, saying the party should not support the treaty unless Ireland’s bank debt is significantly written down.