Fianna Fáil's Micheál Martin faces Dáil exodus to Europe

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin is facing an exodus from the Dáil as two of his top TDs declared their desire to contest the upcoming European elections.

This is despite Mr Martin making it known he wants his TDs not to stand because of the potential instability they could cause by forcing by-elections were they to depart for Brussels.