Question of Taoiseach's departure as Fianna Fáil leader 'more serious than it has ever been'

Despite the pressure, Micheál Martin's position may not come under threat until after next month’s by-election

Speaking in Berlin, Micheál  Martin downplayed suggestions that he was in danger. 'I do not, in any shape or form, feel under threat in that respect,' he said. File Picture: Grainne Ni Aodha/PA 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has hit back at detractors, insisting his position is not under threat, as ministers and backbenchers publicly rallied around the Fianna Fáil leader.

Questions about the Taoiseach’s leadership of Fianna Fáil re-emerged on Wednesday after a joint letter from three of the youngest Fianna Fáil TDs, Albert Dolan, Ryan O’Meara, and James O’Connor, setting out criticism of the party’s leadership.

However, Fianna Fáil sources insisted that while the question of Mr Martin’s departure is “more serious than it has ever been”, his position may not come under threat until after next month’s by-election.

One TD said while conversations about removing Mr Martin had died down, it could still “go anywhere yet”. Another questioned whether any minister would be willing to take on what is a “poisoned chalice” amid global instability.

Several ministers told the Irish Examiner that they believed the Taoiseach would “absolutely” win a no-confidence motion.

Speaking in Berlin, Mr Martin downplayed suggestions that he was in danger. “I do not, in any shape or form, feel under threat in that respect,” he said.

He also admitted that the language and how the Government approached last week’s protest could be “evaluated”.

Offaly TD Tony McCormack backed Mr Martin to remain in place and said he had his “full support”.

“It would be ill-conceived of the party at this stage to change leader,” Mr McCormack said, citing the need to have an experienced leader as Ireland prepares for the EU presidency in July.

Similar views were expressed by Dublin Rathdown TD Shay Brennan, saying the party should not change its leader but that it needed to “change our approach”.

“There’s a definite frustration within the parliamentary party that decisions are being taken and presented to the party as a fait accompli,” Mr Brennan said.

Mr Brennan said in the past, TDs and senators would have had input into that decision-making. He called for a meeting of the parliamentary party to take place “sooner rather than later”.

Government ministers have come out publicly in support of Mr Martin, including Jack Chambers, Darragh O’Brien, James Browne, James Lawless, Thomas Byrne, and Christopher O’Sullivan.

One minister cited a “strong loyalty” to the Taoiseach among the senior and junior ministerial ranks.

Fianna Fáil deputy leader Jack Chambers, meanwhile, insisted there is not a heave building against the Taoiseach, adding Mr Martin got a “strong mandate” in the previous general election, while disability minister Norma Foley told the Irish Examiner that she was also standing behind Mr Martin.

However, some Fianna Fáil TDs insisted that Mr Martin’s time as Fianna Fáil leader is now limited, with the upcoming Ard Fheis and the by-elections in Dublin Central and Galway West as potential flashpoints.

While no challenger has appeared to directly challenge Mr Martin, justice minister Jim O’Callaghan and social protection minister Dara Calleary have emerged among TDs as frontrunners in any prospective leadership contest.

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