Martin has mettle to take blows and be a contender

Political Correspondent Fionnán Sheahan says Micheál Martin will be seen in new light when smoke lifts.

ARGUABLY, the finest moment of Robert de Niro's Oscar-winning performance in Raging Bull is his portrayal of his character Jake La Motta's lamentation of his wasted potential.

"I could have been a contender," the washed-up boxer pitifully bemoans.