Three candidates throw hats in ring for FF leadership

Former foreign affairs minister Micheál Martin, Finance Minister Brian Lenihan and Minister for Social Protection Eamon Ó Cúiv have all tonight officially confirmed they are to contest the leadership of Fianna Fáil.

Speaking this afternoon following the earlier resignation of Brian Cowen as party leader, Deputy Martin said he commended the approach of the Taoiseach, saying he had put the country - and the party - first.