Daniel McConnell: O'Callaghan biding his time as Fianna Fáil flounders

Jim O’Callaghan has emerged, for right or for wrong, as the person most likely to challenge Micheál Martin for control of their embattled party.

O’Callaghan has emerged, for right or for wrong, as the person most likely to challenge Micheál Martin for control of their embattled party. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

It was the kind of answer which would send a chill down the spine of any political leader.

"It would be an honour for any member of Fianna Fáil to lead the party. I can't predict the future. I'm certainly not going to say I'm not interested,” replied Jim O’Callaghan yesterday when asked did he want to lead his party.