Martin to lead Fianna Fáil into election

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin has this afternoon been elected as the new and eighth leader of Fianna Fáil.

The Cork TD was the front-runner in the race after Taoiseach Brian Cowen revealed his intention to stand down.

Finance Minister Brian Lenihan, Social Protection and Defence Minister Eamon O Cuiv, and Tourism Minister Mary Hanafin also put themselves forward in the contest.

Immediately after his election as Mr Cowen's successor, Mr Martin returned to the Dáil chamber where he took a seat on the party's front bench.

Several Opposition politicians crossed the floor of the house to shake his hand and congratulate him on taking the leadership, just two weeks after he spearheaded a failed heave against Mr Cowen.

The leadership battle was decided by a secret ballot, using proportional representation.

In the first count, Mr Martin received 33 votes, Mr O Cuiv received 15, Mr Lenihan got 14 and Ms Hanafin was eliminated with 10 votes.

After transfers in the second count, Mr O Cuiv and Mr Lenihan were on 18 votes each and Mr Martin 36 votes.

On the final count, Mr O Cuiv was on 22 votes and Mr Martin won with 50 votes.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen addressed the meeting at the beginning for around 10 minutes.

Minister Lenihan later congratulated Mr Martin on his victory.

"I want to congratulate Micheál Martin on his election as the eighth leader of Fianna Fáil," he said in a statement.

"Micheál is a highly experienced and capable politician. He has, of course, my complete support as the party leader.

"I want to thank all my colleagues in the parliamentary party who showed me so much courtesy and good will during this contest.

"We must now concentrate on the forthcoming election. Fianna Fáil will now unite behind the new leader and bring our case to the people."