Alison O'Connor: How will Fianna Fáil treat Martin now that he is no longer in the top job?

The Fianna Fáil cadre was also unhappy the new Taoiseach was taking a while to find his feet. Commanding was not a word that came to mind

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar. This is Micheál Martin’s last full weekend as Taoiseach, a mantle that will be passed next Saturday to Leo Varadkar.

It was just under two and a half years ago. The early days in the relationship but the signs were not good. One partner couldn’t get used to not being in charge and the other came across as unsure of where he stood. Where would it all end up?

It just goes to show that when you know you have to make things work you knuckle down to it — just as proponents of arranged marriages will tell you. In this case, a political arrangement, there was considerable re-adjustment. Eventually it settled down well. But now the entire dynamic is set to be upended in a first of its kind for this country. This is Micheál Martin’s last full weekend as Taoiseach, a mantle that will be passed next Saturday to Leo Varadkar.