Cavan's future with SMEs - Martin

Anglo-Celt (AC): In Brendan Smith, Cavan was one of few constituencies to return a serving member of the former Fianna Fáil Government cabinet, why do you think this was? Michéal Martin, (MM): Brendan deserves the lion's share of the credit in this. He was also supported by a very strong councillor base here in Cavan, even with the losses in 2009, we still had very strong party support here on the ground. It effectively gave us a very good outcome on the first count and secured Brendan's seat in what was the most difficult General Election the party has ever faced. AC: In terms of confidence rebuilding in the Fianna Fáil brand, what direction are you as leader taking the party? MM: We're looking to involve the members in the decision making in the party much, much more than they would've in the past. In addition to meeting the members, we want to encourage young members and more women to become involved. In particular we've identified the 2014 election as a key one and we're inviting people really, to join the party to consider becoming candidates and see Fianna Fáil as a vehicle to shape society, the community, and have a say in the running of the country. For interview in full, see this week's Anglo-Celt.