Mary Regan: After resurrecting Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin has returned its support to wipe-out levels

Taoiseach may yet push for a no-confidence motion in his leadership himself as high-stakes few months lie ahead for the greatest survivor of Irish politics

Taoiseach Micheál Martin pulled the party out of its 2011 slump. Photo: Collins

The 2007 general election was the zenith of Fianna Fáil’s power. Questions about his personal finances proved to do no damage to then taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who waltzed back to power with 78 Dáil seats and 43pc of the vote.

But within a year the mood had turned sour. By the autumn of 2008, Fianna Fáil had hit its lowest-ever poll rating, with Fine Gael overtaking it in popularity for the first time.

See Full Page