Golfgate the latest in a string of disasters that has beset Martin's reign as Taoiseach

In his first 55 days as Taoiseach, Micheál Martin has been repeatedly beset by distractions and controversies 

Happier times - Fianna Fail Leader Micheal Martin TD & Deputy Leader Dara Calleary TD. Golfgate has seen Calleary resign his Ministerial post. Picture: Gareth Chaney Collins

Nobody told him there would be days, and then weeks, and now months, like this. When Micheal Martin fulfilled his ambition to step into the shoes of the Taoiseach on June 27 he never could have predicted the chain of controversies that would dog him through the Summer.

He was full of vim and vigour. It had taken him a long time to get there, and even if all went to plan he’d still have to pack his bags by Christmas 2022. Then there was the pandemic wreaking carnage on the nation’s health and economy. So the new Taoiseach was mad for road, psyched up to start getting things done without any distractions.