Who is in the running to be the next leader of Fianna Fáil?
The next Fianna Fáil leader? Dara Calleary, Jack Chambers, Jim O'Callaghan, Darragh O'Brien, Norma Foley and James Lawless.
Social protection minister Dara Calleary is seen as a “safe pair of hands” and is highly respected within his party.
From a Fianna Fáil dynasty in Mayo, Mr Calleary was elected to the Dáil in 2007 and served as the party’s deputy leader for two years, leading up to 2020, when he resigned amid the Golfgate controversy.
However, he has worked quietly since then, with one long-serving TD stating that “he will do the dog work of meeting people”.
Last month, he told “loads of people” had asked him to run for leader, but said he wouldn’t be “distracted” until a vacancy arises.
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Public expenditure minister Jack Chambers was at one point considered Martin’s anointed successor.
However, his handling of the Jim Gavin debacle as director of elections during the presidential election significantly lowered his standing in the party.
“He has been absolutely steeped in bad luck,” one senator said.
Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan has been mentioned in leadership talk for many years, but his prospects were temporarily damaged over his handling of the fuel protests and his threat to bring in the army.
“Jim O’Callaghan is quite aloof, but very bright and people like to think he has star quality,” said one TD.
Another said he “has a presence both intellectually and physically”.
A Sunday Independent poll placed Mr O’Callaghan as a firm favourite among the public, the most popular Cabinet minister on 22%.
“Everyone is going to be guided by the public, and if you look at the polls, it seems Jim is way out ahead,” said one minister of state.
Transport minister Darragh O’Brien cannot be discounted and is seen as very popular in the party.
Citing his former role as housing minister, one senior party member said “he is a very good communicator on media” and is “able to ride a storm”.
Another TD said: “He reminds them [party members] of Bertie.
“For those nostalgic factors and that part of Fianna Fáil, he will be popular.”
As a first-time TD, Norma Foley was elevated to education minister by Micheál Martin in 2020, and many would see her as his favoured candidate.
The Kerry TD is considered one of Martin’s most loyal supporters, which could work against her if she were to run.
While viewed as having a very outside chance, those in the party recognise the higher education minister has never been shy to make his ambitions known.
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