Micheál Martin says Fianna Fáil leadership not under threat in 'any shape or form'

Three senior party members have called for an emergency meeting to discuss, amongst other things, “leadership initiatives required to move our party forward and restore public trust and confidence in our great party organisation”. Picture: Larry Cummins

Micheál Martin has denied that his Fianna Fáil leadership is under threat in “any shape or form” despite rising pressure from his parliamentary party.

However, the Taoiseach conceded that the language used by the Government during last week’s fuel protests could be “evaluated”.

A warning shot was fired on Wednesday after three of Fianna Fáil’s youngest TDs, Albert Dolan, James O’Connor, and Ryan O’Meara, published a statement suggesting that the social contract has been “strained to breaking point”.

In their statement, the TDs, who are all in their late 20s and early 30s, said they had viewed the events of recent weeks with “real and deep concern”.

Three senior Fianna Fáil politicians, Paudie O’Sullivan, Sean Ó Fearghaíl, and Senator Anne Rabitte, called for an emergency meeting to discuss, amongst other things, “leadership initiatives required to move our party forward and restore public trust and confidence in our great party organisation”.

Speaking in Berlin, Mr Martin denied that his position is under pressure.

“I do not, in any shape or form, feel under threat in that respect,” he said. “I do acknowledge the extraordinary pressure on families and people across the country in terms of the impact of rising oil prices as a result of the war in the Middle East.

“Government was faced with a very significant dilemma last week in terms of vital critical infrastructure being blockaded.

“We had an obligation to our people and to the State to make sure that those blockades on the oil refinery, in the middle of a supply crisis, that that would not stop refining."

He said Whitegate was "on the cusp" of ceasing refining, and in the context of what's happening around the world, that would have done damage to Ireland.

He continued: “We can evaluate that in terms of how people perceived how the Government was approaching that.” 

Mr Martin acknowledged that there were “many genuine people” involved in the protests who are “under pressure” and that there were discussions ongoing with representative bodies.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil deputy leader Jack Chambers has said Micheál Martin will “absolutely not” use an upcoming Ard Fheis to set out the timeline for his departure.

Mr Chambers said there is not a heave building against the Taoiseach, adding Mr Martin got a “strong mandate” in the previous general election.

“Micheál Martin has been an exceptional leader of our party, but also our country. Someone who always seeks to do the right thing in the national interest,” Mr Chambers said.

The Fianna Fáil deputy leader said Mr Martin is focused on “delivering for people” and building up Ireland and its economy.

“He's someone who is focused on leadership and focused on our country's future. Ultimately, Fianna Fáil as a party will always put the country first, do the right thing in the long-term interest of our country,” Mr Chambers said.

The party is due to have its annual Ard Fheis next month.

Asked if he harboured leadership ambitions, Mr Chambers said he would not “entertain” the question because he supports Mr Martin.

“I think he’s doing an exceptional job managing very difficult economic and geopolitical circumstances and I think he deserves our full support at this time,” Mr Chambers said.

Mr Chambers told RTÉ radio a meeting between James O’Connor, Albert Dolan and Ryan O’Meara and the Taoiseach included “constructive and positive” conversations.

Asked if the parliamentary party would have more say in the upcoming budget, Mr Chambers said: “They absolutely will.

“We want to strengthen the input of members of our parliamentary party, particularly in the budgetary process."