Martin denies rift with Ó Cuív

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin is denying there is any rift between himself and FF deputy leader Éamon Ó Cuív.

Speaking today at the National Ploughing Championships in Athy, Deputy Martin said the FF parliamentary party is absolutely unified in the decision not to run or back a candidate in the presidential election.

He said not contesting for the Áras was always going to cause internal difficulties, and be a very challenging experience for Fianna Fáil.

However he dismissed any suggestion that he is at loggerheads with Deputy Ó Cuív on the issue.

"Éamon and myself get on extremely well," he said.

"We share many common perspectives in terms of the future of the party and terms of politics itself.

"The parliamentary party is absolutely unified in terms of this (the presidential election) and I have received much support from across the country."