Martin shrugs off FF failures

Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin has shrugged off the party’s failure to capitalise on the Coalition’s troubles and win a Dáil seat.

Mr Martin faces criticism at his party’s weekly parliamentary meeting tomorrow with Fianna Fáil now having failed to win a seat in the last six by-elections.

A minister has also warned Independent politicians will not be able to run the country after wins for anti-establishment candidates in three by-elections.

The main parties saw their by-election hopes dashed at the weekend as alternative candidates managed to score surprise victories in Dublin South West and Roscommon-South Leitrim.

The surprise loss for the main parties came after socialist Paul Murphy beat Sinn Féin in Dublin South West and Independent Michael Fitzmaurice beat Fianna Fáil in Roscommon-South Leitrim. Last Friday, Independent candidate Gerard Craughwell won the Seanad by-election.

Responding to the surprise results, Sports Minister Michael Ring said that the Fine Gael-Labour Coalition should be returned to power. However, he also added: “Independents will not be able to form a government, will not be able to run a country and people will have to make a choice when the general election comes.”

Former Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte said the recession caused a fragmentation amongst voters where populist candidates who “can’t agree on anything” get elected. Forming the next government could be difficult, he added.

Concern is also rising in Fianna Fáil about its failure to install a TD in Roscommon-South Leitrim, where it had been favourite to replace former TD Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan.

While party candidate Ivan Connaughton secured most first preferences, Independent Michael Fitzmaurice secured his win with transfers. Fianna Fáil also only managed to win just 8.6% of votes in the Dublin by-election, continuing its dismal performance in the capital.

The fallout from the vote will be discussed at the tomorrow’s parliamentary party meeting. Party TD and former minister Éamon Ó Cuív said he would outline his concerns there.

However, Mr Martin has vowed to continue as leader, saying: “I’m leading the party into the next general election, of that there is no question.”