'Selfish' Micheál Martin damaged Fianna Fáil with 'victory lap', TDs claim

It follows abysmal by-election results for Fianna Fáil in the Dublin Central and Galway West competitions, which saw the party failing to reach double-digit first preference votes in either race
Fianna Fáil sources told the Irish Examiner on Sunday that there was “depression” and “despondency” within the party, with some lashing out against party leader Miicheál Martin. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Fianna Fáil sources told the Irish Examiner on Sunday that there was “depression” and “despondency” within the party, with some lashing out against party leader Miicheál Martin. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Mon, 25 May, 2026 - 06:00
Louise Burne

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is facing further backlash from Fianna Fáil TDs who have branded him “selfish” and accused him of damaging the party as part of his “victory lap” in the wake of dismal by-election performances.

Furious politicians warned that the party had become “transfer toxic” and was being blamed for an unpopular budget and the fuel protests.

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