SENIOR FIANNA Fáil figures have strongly denied Micheál Martin’s leadership has been damaged by former deputy Éamon Ó Cuív’s defiance of the party’s support for the fiscal treaty referendum.
Mr Martin will this evening open the party’s 73rd ardfheis, described by insiders as the most crucial national conference in Fianna Fáil’s history, given the loss of more than 50 seats in last year’s general election.
Party TDs backed Mr Martin’s position yesterday, while Senators, including some viewed as having previously created difficulties for the leader, also supported him.
Labhrás Ó Murchú, whose surprise declaration that he wanted to contest last year’s presidential race was seen as a blow to Mr Martin’s authority, insisted the leader retained the support of the party after effectively sacking Mr Ó Cuív on Wednesday.
“I don’t think he’s damaged. I don’t believe his leadership is damaged. Éamon Ó Cuív has made it quite clear he doesn’t wish that to happen because he hasn’t indicated any leadership ambitions,” Mr Ó Murchú said.
The Tipperary Senator said Mr Ó Cuív had “underlined” this by withdrawing his name from the contest to become vice-president of Fianna Fáil, due to take place at the ardfheis tomorrow.
Kerry Senator Ned O’Sullivan, who also argued that Fianna Fáil should have contested the presidency, said Mr Ó Cuív’s resignation would not hurt Mr Martin.
“I think the leader has emerged stronger. He’s showed himself to be decisive,” he said.
“He was put in a position where he had no alternative. It’s unfortunate in its timing in one way but it’ll add an extra dimension to the ardfheis.
“We’ve been in worse scrapes,” Mr O’Sullivan added. Senator Thomas Byrne assessed the party’s position in the following terms: “The parliamentary party is a lot less fragile than it was during the presidential debacle when the whole thing could have collapsed around us. We’re much more confident in ourselves and a lot more together.”
Donegal Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill took a less positive view of the impact of the difference of opinion between Mr Martin and Mr Ó Cúiv.
“It’s very regrettable that this occurred this week. There are no winners in this situation,” he said.
Mr Ó Domhnaill said the priority at the ardfheis should be for the party to “listen to the grassroots”. He said Fianna Fáil was, and always had been, a pro-European party, but added: “I would share a lot of the concerns Éamon has raised. We need Europe to share some of the burden.”
He said Mr Martin had his full support.
Sligo Senator Marc MacSharry insisted there was no question Mr Martin’s authority had come under threat.
“The collateral damage here some people in the media are perceiving, I don’t see. It’s not reflected in speaking to colleagues. The leadership isn’t remotely an issue. Micheál Martin is doing a good job and Éamon Ó Cuív has said that,” he said.
“Éamon has a difference of opinion on this issue and that’s fine, in my view. It augurs well for the ardfheis that marks the end of our first phase of renewal. We want to be a pliable organisation that nurtures difference, not shuns it.”
Dublin Senator Averil Power said of Mr Martin: “It was important on such a crucial issue that he acted decisively, and he did.”
