Ó Cuív's credentials for Áras advanced

FF PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL:FIANNA FÁIL was keeping an open mind about its participation in the presidential election and acknowledged finances were an issue, said party leader Micheál Martin

Senator Mary White said former minister Éamon Ó Cuív would make a good candidate for the party, but Mr Martin said Fianna Fáil had not advanced its thinking on the presidency and was continuing to assess the situation.

“I think there’s a lot of people got very early into the field and judging by recent programmes some might be exiting a bit early too. So I think it’s early days and I think we need to keep an open mind on that and we in the party will examine it,” he said.

“Finance is an issue generally with Fianna Fáil and I would acknowledge that. But that’s something that we can manage over time and we will manage over time.”

Mr Martin said 14 years ago President Mary McAleese was nominated by the party with just seven weeks to go to polling day. He stressed his belief that the presidency was above party politics.

“I noted Enda Kenny saying it was extremely important that . . . Fine Gael would get someone elected. In my view it’s above party labels, it’s above party politics and in essence we need a strong and good president of a similar calibre and performance as Mary McAleese or Mary Robinson.”

Ms White, who clashed with Mr Martin over his policy on Seanad candidates, described Mr Ó Cuív as a “great public servant”. She added that the former minister would be great going around the country inspiring the Fianna Fáil faithful. “He has a vision for the country North and South,” said Ms White, adding that she did not approve of dynasties but Mr Ó Cuív was the one exception she would make.

Mr Ó Cuív is a grandson of Éamon de Valera.

Mr Ó Cuív would only say he was “on the side of running someone”, but would not be drawn on whether or not that someone should be him. “The first thing the party has to decide is what it’s going to do,” he said.

Reflecting on the Government’s first 100 days, Mr Martin claimed the Coalition had not made any hard decisions in its first few months in office. “If anyone examines the commitments and promises that were made in relation to those 100 days one would have to say . . . the performance of the Government has been somewhat underwhelming.”

In terms of attempts to rebuild the party, Mr Martin said he had been visiting three constituencies a week and so far had spoken to almost 3,000 “ordinary members” of Fianna Fáil.

Meanwhile, new Fine Gael member Pat Cox has scheduled a press conference for this morning at which he will clarify his intentions in relation to the presidency. He has been canvassing Fine Gael TDs and Senators to assess levels of support as he attempts to become the Fine Gael nominee.