Mick Clifford: Was it hubris that led Micheál Martin to dismiss Jim Gavin’s deficits?

While it appears unlikely that someone will emerge to take on a damaged Mr Martin, his departure will no longer be on his own terms

Taoiseach Micheál Martin with former presidential election candidate Jim Gavin. The fiasco has resulted in the party looking amateur and humiliated. Picture: Damien Eagers 

Hubris gets us all in the end. Or at least those of us who contract it. 

Last November, Micheál Martin could be forgiven a shot of hubris. He had arrived at the peak of his political career. Fianna Fáil was once again the largest party in government, albeit in a different country from the one that existed when they last occupied the high ground.