Will the Ming dynasty continue to rule after by-election?

WILL the Ming Dynasty continue to rule in Roscommon, and if so, is the by-election to be remembered as Micheál Martin’s last stand — the beginning of the end for his leadership?

Mr Martin has thrown so much time and treasure into regaining the former Fianna Fáil stronghold that yet another failure to launch will raise serious questions about his future.

The biggest obstacle to a Fianna Fáil fight back appears to be independent candidate Michael Fitzmaurice, who has been anointed by Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan as a worthy successor now the pony-tailed publicity-seeking machine has breezed-off to Brussels.