Daniel McConnell: Rebel Fianna Fáil backbenchers driven by fear for their futures

Those behind the forming of the group deny it was seeking to unseat Micheál Martin. Rather, they say, it was formed out of the frustration of backbenchers who feel they have “no voice or no say” in the formation of policy

Backbenchers including Padraig O’Sullivan, above, fear that the Taoiseach and his ministers are not listening to their own troops and, more importantly for them, that the party on its present course is heading for electoral annihilation. Picture: David Keane

As much as Micheál Martin and his senior ministers have sought to downplay the so-called rebel meeting of angry and frustrated TDs and Senators this week, the truth is it was very significant. 

As they gathered in their parliamentary party room on Wednesday, frustrated Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators decided to deliberately sit in a circle and not with a top table.