Bookmakers have dramatically shortened the odds on Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan succeeding as the next Fianna Fáil leader amid growing unease surrounding Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Ladbrokes now list Mr O’Callaghan as the firm favourite to take over as Fianna Fáil’s next chief, reports Breaking News.
Following a bruising presidential campaign that saw Fianna Fáil’s candidate Jim Gavin struggle and eventually attempt to withdraw from the contest, questions about the party’s leadership have intensified.
The latest chatter around Leinster House suggests Jim O’Callaghan is set to take the reins as Fianna Fáil’s next leader, with odds standing at 1/6 for him to head the governing party, reports Breaking News.
Other notable contenders include Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien at 4/1, Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary at 8/1, and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers also at 8/1.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes remarked: “Change is afoot for Fianna Fáil. The presidential election didn’t go to plan and a change at the top may revitalise the party and give them a new zest,” reports Breaking News.
Despite Micheál Martin’s insistence that his leadership remains secure, tensions are surfacing within the ranks, with sources claiming that TDs are openly questioning his position following Jim Gavin’s poor presidential showing.
Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne recently commented that the Taoiseach lacks urgency and voiced skepticism about whether Mr Martin will lead Fianna Fáil into the next election, reports Breaking News.
Writing in The Irish Times, Mr Byrne added: “We have an amazing country with incredibly talented people. We have a strong economy that should not be taken for granted. But, as a State, we are not being ambitious enough to achieve the transformations necessary for our citizens and our communities. As the largest political party and being in Government, we have to take responsibility for that,
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“The anger at the slow pace of delivery are leading voters to the easy slogans of the hard left or the far right or to giving up on the ‘system’. Fianna Fáil needs to show once again that as the party of the political centre, we can be radical and we can get things done,
“This is about much more than one individual but the Taoiseach needs to be front and centre in addressing this challenge. The presidential election debacle will soon fade into a historical footnote, but not delivering urgently on matters that really impact on people’s lives will not,” reports Breaking News.
Meanwhile, MEP Billy Kelleher, who lost out to Mr Gavin after the Taoiseach’s strong endorsement of the former Dublin football boss, has delivered sharp criticism of Mr Martin.
Speaking during the Éamon de Valera commemoration in County Clare, Mr Kelleher argued that Fianna Fáil must work harder to reconnect with younger generations, reports Breaking News.
“As a party, we need to invest in young people, invest in engaging with them, be willing to admit we are wrong. As a parent, I know how hard this is, but it is essential,” Mr Kelleher said,
He warned that Fianna Fáil is heading toward a “demographic cliff edge”, reports Breaking News.
“We need to be ready to rip up the rule book when it comes to housing construction,
“Our people are demanding it, our business leaders and investors are demanding it, so why are we so slow to go nuclear when it comes to home building?”
Mr Kelleher further accused the party’s leadership of allowing Sinn Féin to dominate the conversation on Irish unity, reports Breaking News.
“Failing to prepare for a United Ireland, and having the answers to the legitimate questions of people, north and south, will stymy our chances of winning a border poll,
“If the objective is to win a border poll, then we need to put out best foot forward, and to my mind, that is not allowing Sinn Féin lead the campaign for unity,” reports Breaking News.
These remarks are expected to intensify the pressure already mounting on Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Next Permanent Leader of Fianna Fáil:
Jim O’Callaghan – 1/6
Darragh O’Brien – 4/1
Dara Calleary – 8/1
Jack Chambers – 8/1
Bar – 16/1
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