Fianna Fáil unclear about their message and electoral destiny

Micheál Martin has capacity to carry the conversation nationally and he is a man with a political past, a talent that is deeply shadowed, writes Gerard Howlin

THE status of Fianna Fáil as national movement, but no mere political party, was reinforced by the serendipity of the national anthem. “Sinne Fianna Fáil, atá faoi gheall ag Éirinn…” summoned the nation to its flag not only on great occasions but at every dance hall and football final.

When the music stopped and the lights went up most expectations at those dances went unfulfilled.