Micheál Martin's position under threat as Fianna Fáil TDs smell 'blood in the air'

One TD suggested that it is '50/50' whether Mr Martin will still be Taoiseach at Christmas

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, right, speaks to former taoiseach Bertie Ahern after the funeral Mass for  Martin Mansergh at St Mary’s Church, Tipperary. Mr Mansergh, a senior civil servant at the Department of Foreign Affairs and a senior adviser to several taoisigh, died in Morocco on September 26. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Taoiseach Micheál Martin's hold on his Fianna Fáil parliamentary party is under threat, with TDs claiming there is "blood in the air" in the aftermath of Jim Gavin's sensational withdrawal from the presidential election.

Mr Gavin, backed by Mr Martin over party stalwart Billy Kelleher in last month's nomination vote, withdrew from the race in extraordinary circumstances late on Sunday, doing so amid claims that he had not repaid €3,300 paid in error by a former tenant.