Martin denies U-turn after declaring party’s defence of the Seanad

Fianna Fáil will oppose the abolition of the Seanad, party leader Micheál Martin has pledged.

It appears a significant shift in policy from last year’s election, when Mr Martin vowed to support the upper house’s abolition, provided other reforms were made.

He last night denied it was a U-turn, insisting last year’s policy stance had always been conditional.