Collins: Mícheál Martin not the problem for FF

A Fianna Fáil frontbencher says his party "is not progressing enough", amid growing speculation over Mícheál Martin's leadership.

Niall Collins' comments come after Fianna Fáil failed to win a seat in either of the weekend's Dáil by-elections, with the results expected to be raised as a "matter of concern" at the next parliamentary party meeting.

Several TDs are reported to have expressed anger at the party leadership for not capitalising on public anger at the water charges.

However, Justice Spokesperson Niall Collins says Mr Martin is not to blame.

Mr Collins said: "There's been an attempt by a couple of people to create a narrative in the past couple of days that Mícheál Martin is a problem or the problem.

"He's not, the Fianna Fáil collective is rebuilding. I wouldn't say to you we're not progressing, we're just not progressing enough, and the party and the membership, including myself want to see us progressing quicker.

"That's not happening and we have to accept that and we have to look at that."