'I like by-elections': Micheál Martin rules out early general election if TDs elected to Europe

Tánasite Micheál Martin has also strongly suggested that he will face down any request from Brussels to put forward a male and a female candidate to fill the role of Ireland's EU Commissioner. Photo: Damien Storan/PA

Tánasite Micheál Martin has ruled out going straight to a general election if a number TDs are elected to Europe, stating: "I like by-elections".

A number of sitting TDs including Fianna Fáil's Barry Cowen, Labour's Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Clare Independent Michael McNamara and Katheen Funchion of Sinn Féin could be elected in the coming days, leaving vacancies in the Dáil.

Arriving into the RDS count centre, Mr Martin dismissed a suggestion that it would be easier to go straight to a general election instead of holding by-elections.

"I like by-elections, you discover a county in an intimate way," he said.

"Anyone who studies political science knows that by-elections can be very significant platforms for newer candidates to come onto the scene.

He added: "We have a six-month window in which to call them.

Mr Martin has also strongly suggested that he will face down any request from Brussels to put forward a male and a female candidate to fill the role of Ireland's EU Commissioner.

EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had asked the Government to select a male and a female option, which was agreed to, after Phil Hogan stepped down in 2020.

But Mr Martin said: "Part of me would say that the fundamental rules in terms of national decision-making should not be unduly undermined. It's a decision for each member state. I think we need to be fair in demarcation lines as to the responsibilities, in this instance it's a responsibility of the national government."

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Mr Martin and Finance Minister Michael McGrath are among a number of names in Fianna Fáil being speculated on as possible candidates.

When asked if he has ambitions to go to Brussels, Mr Martin said he has always indicated that he wants to lead his party into the next general election.

Asked if Barry Andrews, who is expected to be re-elected to the European Parliament, would make a good commissioner, Mr Martin said: "I think he would make an excellent commissioner, but he very humbly put himself forward to serve as a European parliamentarian, and I think he already performed very well in the European Parliament on the last occasion."