Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin is facing an exodus from the Dáil as two of his top TDs declared their desire to contest the upcoming European elections.

He will also “cover any and all topics” media wish to raise with him.

Fianna Fáil is aiming to take the European Parliament seat currently held by MEP Brian Crowley in next summer’s election as part of a strategy to win two seats in Ireland South.

MEP Brian Crowley has been urged to resign after four years of absence from the European parliament because of the “damage” to Ireland’s interests and because of the UK’s imminent exit from the EU.

Fianna Fáil MEP Brian Crowley’s controversial hold on his European seat is set to come under intense scrutiny this evening when a party colleague formally challenges him for the role.

With Brexit imminent, we need all help we can get to retain influence in the EU’s corridors of power, particularly the European parliament.

There have been renewed calls for Ireland South MEP Brian Crowley to resign or clarify his position after not voting once in the European Parliament since his re-election four years ago.

The substitute for Fianna Fáil MEP Brian Crowley, Kieran Hartley, has expressed disappointment at his party leader, whom he says has refused to address his calls for Mr Crowley to step down if he is unable to return to the European Parliament.

A number of Fianna Fáil TDs have hit out at “insensitive and inappropriate” complaints about Ireland South MEP’s Brian Crowley‘s non-attendance at EU meetings.

Brian Crowley doesn’t do controversy. He stays out of political fray. There are few issues, policies or positions that he’s associated with.

Brian Crowley’s solo run leaves Soldiers of Destiny at sea, writes Europe Correspondent Ann Cahill.

The removal of the long-serving MEP Brian Crowley from the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party was described as "a very sad day for Fianna Fáil" and a "terrible turn of events" by its finance spokesman, Michael McGrath.

Last month Fianna Fáil’s Brian Crowley topped the poll in Ireland South with an incredible 180,000 votes.

After a juggernaut of a count that lasted three days, Fine Gael’s Seán Kelly and Deirdre Clune joined Brian Crowley and Sinn Féin’s Liadh Ní Riada as Ireland South MEPs.

It was the only time he took it lying down — beaten but far from broken.

Despite the bitter rivalry between the Kelly, Clune, and Harris teams during the campaign, the battle plan succeeded in the end and the party nailed two seats in the South.

Brian Crowley will once again top the poll in the Ireland South European elections with Sinn Féin newcomer Liadh Ní Riada and Fine Gael’s Seán Kelly on course to take the second and third seat.

She may be languishing in the opinion polls and at risk of losing her seat. But Labour MEP Phil Prendergast has generated more online conversation in the last six months than any other candidate in the Ireland South constituency.

Fianna Fáil will today launch a last-minute change of strategy by carving up Ireland South in a move expected to anger its sitting MEP, Brian Crowley, who is known for closely guarding his huge vote share.