Micheál Martin hints at Fianna Fáil presidential election candidate

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has strongly hinted his party will consider running a presidential election candidate if Michael D Higgins’ future is not decided by the new year.

Mr Martin issued the de facto deadline as he separately ruled out Bertie Ahern’s party return, labelled a bid to give the former taoiseach a “distinguished service” party medal as “mischievous” and said his first act in power will be to scrap the Government’s strategic communications unit.

Speaking to reporters at the launch of his party’s two-day ard fhéis at the RDS in Dublin, Mr Martin said it is “too early” to discuss the a presidential campaign out of “respect” for the office.