Taoiseach ‘not exercised’ about Fianna Fail review

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Micheál Martin has said he is not “as exercised as others” about an internal Fianna Fáil review into the presidential election, as he contended that the process had not been delayed.

The Taoiseach has come under pressure for his role in backing Jim Gavin to be the party’s candidate in the race, with some backbenchers calling for a change of Fianna Fáil leadership.

Mr Gavin ultimately withdrew from contention following unfavourable poll results and revelations that he owed thousands of euros to a former tenant – which has since been repaid.

Mr Martin has said he was “sorry” for how the party ran its campaign but has argued that he did not put pressure on Fianna Fáil TDs to back Mr Gavin.

Some backbenchers have sought to broaden the discussion about Mr Martin’s leadership from beyond the election to include areas like delivery on housing and infrastructure.

On Friday, he said he was “bemused” by commentary around the matter and said three members of the parliamentary party were doing a “comprehensive job” interviewing people in relation to the election.

While the report had been expected within weeks of the election, Mr Martin said he did not “accept the concept of a delay” and said the review team was “getting on with their work”.

Speaking to reporters, he said: “It’s important that it’s done but I certainly am not as exercised about it as perhaps you are or others might be.”

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, who is seen as a potential challenger for the Fianna Fáil leadership, said Mr Martin deserves “a lot of” but “not all” the credit for the party’s performance in the last general election.

The most important thing is to let the review get on with its work

Both men appeared at the same press conference on Friday alongside party TD Ryan O’Meara.

After a reporter referenced that the man beside the Taoiseach may be coming for his job, Mr O’Callaghan joked: “I think it’s unfair to suggest that Taoiseach’s job is being sought by deputy Ryan O’Meara, I don’t think that’s a fair assessment.”

Asked if he saw Mr O’Callaghan as his successor, the Taoiseach said: “I see Minister O’Callaghan as a very, very effective Minister of Justice.

“He’s doing a first-class job on the many significant challenges that are facing us.”

Mr Martin said the Fianna Fail presidential campaign was a “very deeply disappointing experience” but said it had not diverted him nor Mr O’Callaghan from the issues facing the country.

Pressed on whether he expected party rebels to be encouraged by potential negative findings in the review, he said: “I’m not going to comment or speculate.

“The most important thing is to let the review get on with its work.”