'Vast majority' back Martin as FF leader

THE “vast majority” of the Fianna Fail parliamentary party support Micheal Martin as leader, a minister has said.

- BY CILLIAN SHERLOCK

It comes after some backbenchers have called for a discussion about a change of leadership in the wake of the presidential election.

Party candidate in that election, Jim Gavin, announced weeks before polling day that he was pulling out of the race after it emerged he owed a former tenant thousands of euro, which he has since repaid.

Fianna Fail's handling of the candidate selection process and resulting campaign has put the leadership's decision-making under scrutiny.