Exclusive: Micheál Martin 'not going anywhere' amid rumblings over leadership of Fianna Fáil

In an exclusive interview with the Irish Examiner, Micheál Martin says he 'absolutely would' contest any motion of no confidence in his leadership of the party, but 'hopes it doesn’t come to that'

Taoiseach Micheal Martin: 'I've never been one of these kind of leaders that tries to suppress dissent.' Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he will fight any no-confidence motion in his leadership of Fianna Fáil, but “hopes it doesn’t come to that”.

In an exclusive interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Martin insisted he is "not going anywhere", as he has a mandate from the Irish people. He also claimed the criticism of his leadership has been made personal.

There has been growing discontent within the ranks of Fianna Fáil after the disastrous presidential election campaign for the party.

Mr Martin said he understands that anger, and described Jim Gavin's withdrawal as a devastating outcome.

Over the weekend, there were rumblings within the party over a possible no-confidence motion, with TDs discussing the prospect of reaching the threshold of 12 signatures to trigger the contest.

It has been suggested by sources in the party that there are enough rebels to reach this 12-TD signature threshold.

Asked about the prospect of a no-confidence motion in his leadership, Mr Martin said he “absolutely would” contest it.

“I mean, I hope it doesn’t come to that. I want to engage with people,” the Taoiseach said.

Mr Martin insists he will still be party leader in two years’ time to take over as Tánaiste, adding he intends to “fulfil my mandate”.

Asked about comments made by John McGuinness that there should be a change of leader, Mr Martin said the Carlow-Kilkenny TD had been “consistent” in his calls for the Taoiseach to depart.

“I’ve never, to be fair, I've never been one of these kind of leaders that tries to suppress dissent,” Mr Martin said.

“I've always believed it's healthy that you have debate within the party.”

'I'm no Louis XIV'

However, Mr Martin said criticism of his leadership had been made personal.

Unprompted during the interview, Mr Martin identified several Fianna Fáil TDs who had criticised him by name, including Cork East TD James O’Connor.

In one weekend newspaper, Mr O’Connor implied it was time for Mr Martin to step down, saying: “It's now up to other TDs and senators in the party if they want the court of Louis XIV to continue.”

Mr Martin said: “I was a bit upset with some of the commentary that was made in respect of my leadership. I’m not a top-down [leader].

“I'm no Louis XIV. I think James O’Connor used that. 

Like, come on — that's out of order, that kind of comment, because I'm always accessible.

Mr Martin said he is a “phonecall away from most TDs and senators”.

“All TDs, if they ring me, they get a response,” Mr Martin said. "I've been in all their constituencies. I've canvassed with them all, knocked on doors."

The Taoiseach said people are entitled to have their perspectives on his time as leader, but there were no calls for him to depart the leadership before the last general election.

“We'll all go up and down in politics….There’ll be swings and roundabouts,” he said.

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'We need stability in Government'

The Taoiseach also warned against instability within Fianna Fáil, saying it could lead to further drops in support.

“I think if we fall into the trap of a degree of instability, and if the party portrays that, that would damage us more than anything,” he said.

“I always act in the best interest of the party and the public, but I always say the party is only there as a vehicle for improving the wellbeing of the Irish people.

“We need stability as well in Government. You can't get focus on issues if you're going to be chopping and changing every 12 months,” Mr Martin said.

Mr Martin said that the public, above all else, wants to see stability within Government.

There are calls from some sources in Fianna Fáil for an emergency meeting of the parliamentary party next week.

However, Mr Martin’s attendance at Cop30 in Brazil next week could prevent this from taking place, however.