Mr Martin spent more than three hours visiting residents of the Glencar area of Letterkenny in an unannounced visit yesterday.
Residents were shocked to find Mr Martin at their doors when they went to answer them.
He was accompanied on the visit by Fianna Fail stalwarts Ciaran Brogan, Dessie Larkin and Victor Fisher.
When one resident asked Mr Martin why there were no cameras or media, he replied: “This isn’t for the cameras; this is about getting to know the real issues affecting ordinary people.”
Cllr Ciaran Brogan today confirmed the visit had been hush-hush.
“The party leader has been travelling throughout the country to meet and greet people,” said the Donegal County Councillor.
“He spent more than three hours in Letterkenny and we just went door to door to meet people and discuss their lives and how current Government policies are affecting them. He was here to listen.
“He got a very very positive response on all the doorsteps.”