Dara Calleary says he is not considering Fianna Fáil leadership bid

James Cox

The Social Protection Minister has said he is not even considering going for leader of Fianna Fáil.

Dara Calleary is one of the names being mentioned by the party's TDs who want a change of leader immediately after the EU Presidency at the end of the year.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has insisted he will lead the party into the next general election, but this looks increasingly unlikely.

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan and Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien are also being linked to the role.

But Dara Calleary insists he has no interest in running for leader... right now.

Calleary said: "There's no vacancy, I'm not even considering it. I'm not doing 'what-iffery'.

"There's no vacancy, the Taoiseach has my full support. I'm working with him on the cost of disability payment. I'm working with on the Department of Social Protection budget... I'm working with him on Gaeltacht issues and community welfare issues.

"This Government is delivering on our Programme for Government. What we don't want is what you see across the river in the United Kingdom which is prime minister number eight about to go in. That is instability."

Calleary was also asked about reports of US president Donald Trump visiting Ireland for the Irish Open in September.

Calleary said: "Look, he will be welcomed, he's the president of the United States of America. Marking 250 years... but he could be saying something different by lunchtime.

"But the reality is, if he comes he will be welcomed. Preparations wilk be made and I know they'll be very happy in Doonbeg."