I have a mandate from the people

Martin insists he's not worried about confidence motion plot

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN Political Correspondent

TAOISEACH Micheal Martin has said he's not worried about a potential no-confidence vote in him as leader of Fianna Fail.

His leadership has been thrown into question after a disastrous presidential campaign which saw Jim Gavin withdraw after it emerged he owed a former tenant €3,300, which he has since paid back.

It left TDs and senators frustrated and angry and 10 members of the parliamentary party were planning a no-confidence motion in the leader - two short of the number needed to trigger a motion.

However, several TDs have said the motion is unlikely, as questions now surround whether Mr Martin will leave or be pushed out as leader when Ireland's EU Presidency ends in December next year.

MEETINGS