Fianna Fáil in-fighting precedes by-election

Fianna Fáil in-fighting has erupted days before a must-win by-election for the party with one well-placed figure calling Micheál Martin a “loser”.

The battle to snatch the Carlow-Kilkenny seat vacated by Fine Gael’s Phil Hogan has been marred by concern that TDs are not pulling their weight in the campaign, and renewed sniping at Mr Martin’s leadership style.

One party member said Mr Martin was a “loser” but said the party would be stuck with him whether they win or lose the by-election because it is too close to next year’s general election to risk a heave.