Leader of Fianna Fáil

Leader of Fianna Fáil
Incumbent Micheál Martin, TD since 26 January 2011
Inaugural holder	Éamon de Valera
Formation	23 March 1926
Website	Micheál Martin, TD

The Leader of Fianna Fáil is the most senior politician within the Fianna Fáil political party in Ireland. Since 26 January 2011, the office has been held by Micheál Martin, following the resignation of Taoiseach Brian Cowen as leader of the party.

The post of Leader of Fianna Fáil was officially created in 1926 when Éamon de Valera founded the party. De Valera had previously been leader of Sinn Féin and took the Anti-Treaty side during the Civil War. The new party essentially became a home for dissatisfied Sinn Féin TDs who had become disillusioned with the party's abstentionist policy from Dáil Éireann.

Like other Irish political parties, most notably Fine Gael, the Leader of Fianna Fáil has the power to dismiss or appoint their Deputy and to dismiss or appoint parliamentary party members to front bench positions.

When Fianna Fáil is in opposition the leader usually acts as the Leader of the Opposition, and chairs the opposition front bench. Concordantly, when the party is in government, the leader would usually become Taoiseach, as well as appointing the cabinet.

Seven of the eight leaders of Fianna Fáil have each served as head of government for at least one term of office. In 1932 Éamon de Valera became the first Fianna Fáil leader to become head of government when he was elected President of the Exececutive Council. He remained as leader of Fianna Fáil until 1959 when he retired after serving twenty-one years as head of government and after leading the party to eight general election triumphs. Seán Lemass was the unanimous choice to succeed de Valera as Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil that year. He served seven years in both roles before handing over to Jack Lynch in 1966 following the first leadership election in the history of the party. He served as party leader for thirteen years until 1979, nine of which were spent as Taoiseach. Lynch's resignation sparked another leadership election which saw Charles Haughey emerge as Taoiseach and leader of a deeply divided party. His thirteen-year period in charge saw many heaves against his leadership from within the party, with the final challenge hastening his resignation in 1992.