Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has issued another apology to his party following the presidential election in which their candidate, Jim Gavin, withdrew from the race last weekend.
Speaking during a party gathering in Dublin, Mr Martin stated, “I want to acknowledge that and to say how deeply sorry I am, about how things turned out”, reports RTE.
The Taoiseach referred to a five-hour meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party last Wednesday night, commenting, “I want to acknowledge the constructive suggestions about making sure that we quickly learn our lessons from this and that we reflect these in how we move forward”, reports RTE.
Mr Martin admitted that procedural reforms are needed: “Clearly we need to have a new procedure for deciding when we run a candidate for President and who that candidate is to be. I for one support the idea that we move to a process which is in tune with the wider reforms which we have introduced in the past”, reports RTE.
He continued, “We think of Jim Gavin and his family who have gone through a very traumatic time. Jim Gavin has made a very significant contribution to our country as UN Peacekeeper, Public Servant and in his impactful work in the North East inner city of Dublin where he is hugely respected. This needs to be said”, reports RTE.
The Taoiseach mentioned he had not spoken directly with Jim Gavin this week but had been in touch with some of his friends.
He noted that Mr Gavin and his family “need a break”, reports RTE.
Micheál Martin also strongly defended the European Union while speaking at the Cáirdre Fianna Fáil event in Dublin.
He described this as a “testing time for the Union” due to the presence of “many who want to roll back its powers or to stop it helping countries faced with urgent threats”, reports RTE.
The Taoiseach added, “Unfortunately these anti-EU sentiments are often found here. Of course these people always pretend that they are not anti-EU, but their demands expose the reality of their beliefs”, reports RTE.
When asked to clarify who he was referring to, Mr Martin identified Independent presidential candidate Catherine Connolly, Sinn Féin, and People Before Profit.
Discussing Ireland’s upcoming six-month Presidency of the European Council, Mr Martin said, “There will be many intense negotiations across a full range of issues. And in everything we will bring a constructive and urgent approach to moving issues forward. We need a strong and effective Europe and we will play our role in making sure that there is a strong and effective Europe”, reports RTE.
Micheál Martin also affirmed his commitment to continue leading Fianna Fáil, stating, “I am still as hungry as ever”, reports RTE.
He dismissed any speculation about needing a leadership transition plan before early 2027.
Mr Martin stated that his motivation for entering politics was “to make a difference… and that remains my motivation”, reports RTE.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
