Mary Regan: Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has gone from hero to zero as party’s popularity plunges

Mary Regan: Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has gone from hero to zero as party’s popularity plunges

The 2007 general election was the zenith of Fianna Fáil’s power. Questions about his personal finances proved to do no damage to then taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who waltzed back to power with 78 Dáil seats and 43pc of the vote.

Micheal Martin responds to claims he doesn't listen to backbenchers

Micheal Martin has said it is ‘not fair’ to suggest he does not listen to his party backbenchers. The Fianna Fail leader said he has had ‘very constructive’ meetings with backbenchers since the presidential election. He has come under pressure after he championed ex-Dublin football manager Jim Gavin to become the party’s presidential candidate. Mr Gavin withdrew from the race weeks after being chosen by the party, after it emerged he owed a form…