Politics

Down but not out: why Fianna Fáil remains bullish despite long decline

The party is united under Micheál Martin’s leadership, but many fear it has lost its identity during its time coalition with Fine Gael and the Greens

Tánaiste and FF leader Micheál Martin with members of Fianna Fáil at the party’s Ard Fheis in Dublin. Picture: Fergal Phillips

As the Fianna Fáil faithful gathered this weekend in Dublin for the party’s annual Ard Fheis, it stands a more unified party than at any time under Micheál Martin’s leadership.

After years of bitter infighting, personalised attacks and acrimony, Martin stands unassailable as leader, and with no clear challenger to his throne – for the time being.

The party’s current solidity will be put to the test in next year’s local and European elections, and ...