Alison O'Connor: Understated Micheál Martin deserves some credit for his service to this State

The Taoiseach hasn't yet joined the pantheon of great leaders — but he will be recognised for his decency and level-headedness

Surely nobody celebrated Micheál Martin's state of the nation address on Tuesday — but many would have quietly reflected that the Taoiseach's steady calm and dignity have helped him serve his country during a period of unprecedented crisis. Picture: Julien Behal

He turned from the podium, climbed back up the steps of Government Buildings, and, once his office door closed, the sound of Champagne corks popping could be heard ringing through the corridors of power...

That is so not what happened after Taoiseach Micheál Martin finished his speech to the nation on Tuesday night detailing the lifting of virus restrictions.