O'Cuiv: No thought given to possible deputy leader role

Newly-reelected TD Eamon O'Cuiv has said he has given no thought to whether he would be interested in a position as deputy leader of Fianna Fáil.

The outgoing Minister becomes Fianna Fáil's 15th TD in the 31st Dáil.

He admitted the party's performance nationwide was disappointing, but insisted Fianna Fáil still had a contribution to make to Irish politics.

However, he refused to be drawn on whether or not he would be happy to replace Mary Hanafin as deputy leader if she loses her seat in Dun Laoghaire as expected.

"I haven’t even thought about that. My focus over the last 24 hours has been on the count here. I will continue to work for Fianna Fáil as I have done sine I was first elected," he said.