Paul Hosford: Micheál Martin has been damaged, but he has a lot more fight left in him

The Taoiseach has a pugilistic streak which belies his public persona

In the wake of the sensational withdrawal of Jim Gavin from the presidential race, Micheál Martin has had to try another tack — contrition. Picture: Mark Stedman

Micheál Martin isn't known for backing down.

As you will hear often, he is the son of a boxer and while it's hard to imagine the Taoiseach throwing a right cross, he has a pugilistic streak which belies his public persona.