HIS THREE rival candidates in the battle to succeed Brian Cowen as Fianna Fáil leader have conceded that Micheál Martin is the “the leader in the clubhouse” ahead of tomorrow’s leadership vote by the party’s 71 TDs.
But all are convinced that there is a large block of deputies – 33 as of last night – who have made no public declaration or have yet to make up their minds.
And all three – Brian Lenihan, Mary Hanafin and Éamon Ó Cuív – have pursued a deliberate strategy of asking their supporters not to publicly identify themselves.
“It’s not good if it’s just going to be candidates collecting pledges,” said a supporter of one of the candidates yesterday. “There is a very serious question to be determined: who leads Fianna Fáil out of this crisis? And I think at the very least that deputies should hear each candidate out before making the final decision.”
It is for that reason that huge emphasis has been placed on the presentations that each candidate will make to the parliamentary party this evening. His rivals believe that notwithstanding Mr Martin’s huge lead, a sufficient number can be swayed by the presentations.
All four candidates have personally telephoned the party’s TDs, with some, particularly Mr Martin, in touch with colleagues more than once. Mr Lenihan has not yet spoken to all the TDs – he has found that his time was limited because of negotiations on the timetable for the Finance Bill.
Ms Hanafin’s message to party colleagues has focused on renewal and reorganisation. She has focused on the need for Fianna Fáil to rediscover the social element of its identity, saying the party must be seen as not just about the economy. She has also pointed out if she were elected she could become the first woman leader of an Irish political party.
She has also argued that she can bring in younger members, pointing to this as one of her great strengths, given her background as a teacher, and her deep involvement in the past with Ógra.
Mr Lenihan has talked about being a leader in the Lemass mode when talking to colleagues. He has placed huge emphasis on his wherewithal and knowledge of the finance brief.
He has told colleagues that the big issue for the party and indeed, for the country is that Fianna Fáil remain a substantial and cohesive political force in Irish life.
He has argued he is uniquely placed to mobilise traditional Fianna Fáil supporters.
Mr Ó Cuív has referred to his strong organisational and administrative skills as well as his ability to build consensus. He has argued that Fianna Fáil needs to articulate a new vision of the future which builds a strong economy while giving social protection.
He has also argued for a root and branch rebuilding of Fianna Fáil.
For his part, Mr Martin has also focused on rejuvenation and reorganisation of the party. He has reminded colleagues of his ministerial record, particularly the successes with the smoking ban and the second Lisbon Treaty campaign.
He has also told colleagues that Fianna Fáil was the party that provided opportunities to ordinary Irish people, that he and his siblings were the first generation of his family to go to second level, and indeed to third level, education. He has argued the party must rediscover those roots.
Six more deputies publicly declared for Mr Martin yesterday bringing his total to 26. Among those who declared for him yesterday were former minister Batt O’Keeffe, Minister of State Barry Andrews, Christy O’Sullivan and John McGuinness.
The Meath Deputy Thomas Byrne and the Dublin South West TD Conor Lenihan both pledged their support for Mr Lenihan yesterday, bringing his total to six.