This is the “adult in the room” persona that Martin employed to good effect during the election campaign – but with added barbs. You people are not serious, he is telling opponents. You need to grow up. This, it need hardly be added, drives them nuts.

A former tánaiste is being lined up as a Government-backed replacement for Michael D Higgins in the Áras. Government anxiety about the Presidential election in November will have been increased by the most recent Red C Sunday Business Post poll,

Michael Flatley has also proved ... throw her hat into the ring to replace Michael D Higgins, whose second term as President runs out this year. Martin admitted she was "mulling it over" having ...