Martin stands by promotion of 14 rookies to frontbench
Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011Link to Original ArticleFIANNA FAIL leader Micheal Martin last night insisted it was “absolutely credible” to appoint 14 people who have never served in Cabinet to his new-look frontbench. Controversial former ministers such as Willie O’Dea and John McGuinness are returning to the frontline of Fianna Fail, under the new line-up of 21 spokespeople. Mr [...]
High-profile FF TDs battling to win ‘safe seats’
Tuesday, February 1st, 2011Link to Original ArticleTWO of the country’s best-known TDs are fighting for political survival as voters look to take out their frustration on the outgoing government. Fianna Fail won three seats out of five in the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency in 2007, with Fine Gael and the Greens sharing the other two. But a new poll shows [...]
Hanafin unwilling to reveal vote on leadership
Monday, January 31st, 2011Link to Original ArticleMARY MINIHAN PARTY MEETINGMINISTER FOR Tourism Mary Hanafin did not disclose how she voted in the motion of confidence in Taoiseach Brian Cowen at last nights Fianna Fil parliamentary party meeting. There were 17 speakers, eight of whom spoke in favour of the motion and eight of whom spoke against, while Ms [...]
FG claims second seat is ‘ a given’
Monday, January 31st, 2011Link to Original ArticleIT could be arrogance, it could be hubris or it could be stating the obvious. Pat Deering, Fine Gael’s new hope in Carlow-Kilkenny, says it is a “given” the party will win a second seat in the five-seat constituency and will be fighting for a third. Mr Deering, a distant cousin of [...]
Martin emerges as main contender
Saturday, January 22nd, 2011HARRY MCGEE, Political Correspondent Irish Times Former minister for foreign affairs Micheál Martin is considered the overwhelming favourite among his party colleagues to become the next leader of Fianna Fáil after his decision to publicly challenge the leadership of Taoiseach Brian Cowen. Following the refusal to other potential leaders to show their hands publicly, Mr [...]
No passion or grandstanding in a low-key victory
Wednesday, January 19th, 2011By Fiach Kelly and Michael Brennan, Irish Independent Wednesday January 19 2011 TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern had left last night’s meeting to decide the fate of Taoiseach Brian Cowen before the votes had even been counted. He was seen leaving at around 9pm with colleagues in a black Mercedes and declined requests for comments, just saying [...]
FG claims second seat is ‘a given’
Wednesday, January 12th, 2011By Fiach Kelly Political Correspondent, Irish Independent Wednesday January 12 2011 IT could be arrogance, it could be hubris or it could be stating the obvious. Pat Deering, Fine Gael’s new hope in Carlow-Kilkenny, says it is a “given” the party will win a second seat in the five-seat constituency and will be fighting for [...]
