Averil Power’s criticism rings true, but will Fianna Fáil listen?

Micheál Martin’s party lacks the numbers and, with only a few exceptions, lacks the passion to impact in Leinster House and the vision to reinvent itself, writes Gerard Howlin

MICHEÁL Martin has now surpassed Enda Kenny as the most scorned, ill-fated leader of the opposition in the modern era. The resignation from Fianna Fáil yesterday of Senator Averil Power, trailing withering criticism in her wake, is unquestionably a blow. The timing was also hurtful.

Bobby Aylward TD will arrive in Leinster House today, having been newly elected in Carlow-Kilkenny last Friday, and it should be an unquestioned sign of the party’s reviving fortunes. Instead, Power’s resignation will rain on Martin’s parade, the first one he was set to really enjoy since the relatively good results of the last local elections.