Martin rules himself out of FF leadership race

Micheál Martin has ruled himself out of the race to become the next leader of Fianna Fáil.

Speaking on RTÉ’s ‘Morning Ireland’, Martin declared his support for Brian Cowen to replace Bertie Ahern as leader of the Fianna Fáil party.

Meanwhile, US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton paid tribute to Mr Ahern. She said that she was ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of his intention to resign on May 6 and that his political career would be seen as one of great accomplishment.