In election mode, Fianna Fáil attempts to put its best foot forward

Agathering of the Fianna Fáil faithful in Killarney this weekend is more of an energising, pre-election convention than a traditional ard fheis. It is all about looking forward, rather than back. Candidates for the local and European elections in May are being encouraged to strut their stuff, even as particular attention is given to those Dublin candidates whose performances will directly affect the leadership of Micheál Martin.

Significant gains at Dublin city council level are anticipated, in view of the party's extremely poor showing in 2009. It also hopes to recover a European Parliament seat. New faces and a reinvigorated local organisation are vital elements in its strategy to establish a convincing Dáil presence in the next general election. Failure to achieve that would pile pressure on Mr Martin and raise questions about the prospects of the party forming a government.

Mr Martin has worked hard to modernise and reform the organisation since its support fell from 41 to 17 per cent in the 2011 general election. Membership has been formalised; ethical standards established and voting practices in constituencies overhauled. It hasn’t been easy. Efforts to replace long-time senators with new were thwarted; his leadership came under pressure and the parliamentary party split over abortion legislation. Resistance from the old guard probably influenced the selection of women candidates for the locals. Only in Dublin, with five councillors out of 52, was the 30 per cent female quota approached. Elsewhere the figure was less than 20 per cent. Modernisation has some way to go.

In spite of criticisms at parliamentary level, Mr Martin is well regarded by party members. Support for Fianna Fáil recovered significantly under his leadership as it opposed the introduction of property, water and septic tank charges. More recently, it challenged the basis for universal health insurance, criticised CAP reforms, opposed post office closure, and advocated financial help for distressed mortgage holders and SMEs. Meat and drink for opposition politicians. But Fianna Fáil has serious competition. Perhaps because of its backround in government, it is less aggressive in apportioning blame and promoting radical change.

Sinn Féin and Independent TDs have dominated investigations by Oireachtas committees into abuses involving penalty points and public funding within the health and charities sectors. Fianna Fáil tended to concentrate its fire on Ministers rather than on responsible individuals. Should that pattern of publicity persist, the party’s ambitions for the locals and Europeans may not be realised. Support for Independents and Sinn Féin has rarely been higher. Voting intentions are, polls suggest, extremely volatile. Mr Martin has insisted his plans do not include a future coalition with Sinn Féin. He should concentrate on the task in hand.