Martin thrilled by Fianna Fáil leadership victory

The newly-elected leader of Fianna Fáil says he is relishing the challenge of bringing the message to the people on behalf of the party.

Micheál Martin - a TD for Cork South Central - said that he is absolutely thrilled with his victory - but he admits his role will be very tough.

In his first press conference as leader, he said that he has already written to Opposition party leaders requesting two leaders' debates instead of one.

He is looking for one debate at the start of the campaign, and one at end. He also said that he would prefer if all leaders conducted one of the debates in the Irish language.