Martin denies reshuffle is in preparation for election

Micheál Martin has denied his reshuffle of the Fianna Fáil frontbench was in preparation for a general election.

As part of his reshuffle, he appointed Dara Calleary as deputy leader — a position which had not been filled since 2012.

Mr Calleary was also made director of policy development, a position likely to see him take a leading role in developing a strategy heading into a general election.