Mick Clifford: Luckless Micheál Martin made to wait for his day in the sun

Just when Micheál Martin was to finally experience the traditional pomp and ceremony that comes with being appointed Taoiseach, the opposition had other ideas

In 2020, when first Micheál Martin got to wear the Taoiseach’s mantle, it was a lonely occasion. Covid ensured that his family could not be there. Picture: Fergal Phillips/Maxwells/PA

A day destined to end in historic chaos began bright and shiny, perfect for a coronation. The queue to get into Leinster House lengthened out the door, heavy with Cork accents. It could have been the turnstile at Páirc Uí Chaoimh before a big match. All the indications were that the Taoiseach to be had invited half the city to travel up the M8 to witness history. And why wouldn’t he?

In 2020, when first Micheál Martin got to wear the Taoiseach’s mantle, it was a lonely occasion. Covid ensured that his family could not be there. Instead his big day was confined to a cavernous Convention Centre, stripped of the pomp, wild celebrations and affirmation that traditionally mark the occasion. This was going to make up for it.