Martin supporters say he will face down opposition

FIANNA FÁ IL:FIANNA FÁIL leader Micheál Martin faces a crucial meeting of his parliamentary party meeting this morning, during which his supporters say he is prepared to face down any remaining opposition to his presidential election strategy.

The issue has created some differences between Mr Martin and his deputy leader Éamon Ó Cuív, although a meeting between the pair yesterday afternoon was described as “constructive and cordial” by a party spokesman.

The party has already decided not to field a candidate and Mr Martin does not want Fianna Fáil to facilitate the nomination of any candidate. But Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú remains keen to run as an Independent and has asked the leader to allow the party’s parliamentarians a free vote.

Potential presidential candidates require the support of 20 TDs and/or Senators to secure a nomination, and Mr Ó Murchú yesterday claimed he had the required support from 10 Fianna Fáil members and a further 10 Independent representatives in Leinster House.

However, the majority of Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators contacted by The Irish Timesyesterday disputed Mr Ó Murchú's figures and did not believe Fianna Fáil should assist the nomination of any candidate.

The parliamentary party meeting has been brought forward to 11am to discuss the matter.

At a six-hour meeting last Thursday, Mr Ó Cuív threatened to resign as deputy leader over the wording of a motion put forward by Mr Martin that would have prevented Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators from nominating any candidate. Yesterday he denied he had challenged Mr Martin.

Limerick City TD Willie O’Dea said he was confident the party would get behind Mr Martin’s position today. “I think the party will take a decision to stay out of the presidential election,” he said.

Mr O’Dea also said he hoped any outstanding difficulties between Mr Martin and Mr Ó Cuív could be resolved: “That’s the last thing the party needs at the moment.”

Party whip Seán Ó Fearghaíl from Kildare South said he was confident a position that could be supported by all Oireachtas members could be found.

“While my personal view is that we shouldn’t become involved in the campaign in any way, the party will decide tomorrow,” he said.

Clare TD Timmy Dooley agreed: “It’s my view we shouldn’t involve ourselves further in the presidential race.”

Cork North-Central TD Billy Kelleher said the party should concentrate on rebuilding.

“The right and correct approach would be not to facilitate other candidates.

“We should stay out and concentrate on the most critical issues facing Fianna Fáil. I don’t believe we should take part in the circus of filling up nomination papers for the sake of it,” he said.

Galway East deputy Michael Kitt said he would have liked the party to support a candidate, but hoped for a common approach.

“I’ve always been of the view that Fianna Fáil as a party should support someone. I think there should be a collective decision on it,” he said.

Senator Darragh O’Brien said he would support the leader, while Senator Mary White said: “I think there should be a free vote but I’m not going to get into a life and death situation over it.”

Senator Terry Leydon said the party should not support Independents: “We have no responsibility to Dana or David Norris, or to any other person.”

He added: “The darkest hour is before the dawn. I think there’ll be peace restored.

“The party made a decision, I wasn’t absolutely enamoured with it, but that decision will have to be stood by.”

Senator Averil Power said: “I would be anxious that the party get back as soon as possible to the real issues facing people’s daily lives.”