Martin fights for rights of his party

Fianna Fáil’s chief has to defend his party’s legitimacy from the actions of a previous leader, says political editor Paul O’Brien

MICHEÁL Martin has defended his failure to speak out against Bertie Ahern when the Mahon Tribunal revelations about the then Taoiseach’s personal finances emerged.

Mr Martin said it would have been inappropriate for him to act as “judge and jury” on Mr Ahern’s evidence when it was a matter for the tribunal to decide.