Fianna Fáil unrest grows as Micheál Martin faces threat of no-confidence motion

Fianna Fáil sources say Taoiseach Micheál Martin may not survive an internal no-confidence motion amid growing party unrest

Taoiseach Micheál Martin attends the Cork Senior Football Championship Final in Pairc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday. Picture: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Taoiseach Micheál Martin could “struggle to win” a no-confidence motion proposed by the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, one minister has suggested.

Anger continues to grow among Government backbenchers over the handling of the party’s failed presidential campaign and the selection of Jim Gavin.

Mr Gavin abruptly ended his campaign just three weeks before the election after it emerged that he had failed to repay a former tenant €3,300 in rent overpayments in 2008.

It is understood that “numbers are not an issue” for those plotting against Mr Martin, with suggestions that there is enough support to secure the 12 signatures needed to table a motion of no confidence and the 25 required to pass it.

Several sources said that “timing” will be the issue, with speculation thatan emergency parliamentary party meeting could be requested next week.

Several Fianna Fáil politicians have now suggested that Mr Martin’s days as leader are “numbered.”

“Micheál Martin would be best to avoid a no-confidence motion, because I think he'd struggle to win it,” one minister said.

“He's burnt a whole pile of political capital and has been for a long time. It’s the beginning of the end. How soon that happens, I couldn't tell you.”

Taoiseach Micheal Martin (right) and presidential candidate Jim Gavin (left), at the National Ploughing Championships at Tullamore, Co Offaly. Picture date: Thursday September 18, 2025.

There is a belief that Mr Martin will remain as Taoiseach until after Ireland’s six-month presidency of the EU, which begins in July.

Another minister suggested that the Taoiseach will stay in place for the presidency but “gone straight after”.

“But there's no guarantee. I would have been more certain about a guarantee on the presidency up until now.”

There are also suggestions that TDs may be disappointed by the outcome of the internal review into the Jim Gavin controversy, which could further inflame tensions.

It is understood that newer TDs in the party’s middle ground have had a “rough 12 months” and are under pressure from constituents over housing and disability issues.

Names being discussed as potential successors to Mr Martin include Jim O’Callaghan, Darragh O’Brien, and Dara Calleary.

There was renewed anger among some Fianna Fáil TDs after a list of perceived “rebels” was circulated to journalists.

The so-called rebels include Cork TDs James O’Connor, Seamus McGrath, and Pádraig O’Sullivan, as well as Erin McGreehan, John McGuinness, John Lahart, Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere, and Senator Anne Rabbitte.

Willie O’Dea, Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher, and Seán Ó Fearghaíl are listed as the “old guard” who are “not necessarily actively plotting but would welcome change.”

The list has been branded “petty” and “weak.”

Mr Martin continued meeting TDs in his office at Government Buildings on Tuesday.

One TD noted that senators are not being included in these meetings, as they cannot vote on confidence motions.

“He doesn’t care about opinions, only survival,” they argued.