The Taoiseach has gained the support of three Cabinet ministers who had previously been named as possible candidates to replace him as Fianna Fáil leader, reports RTE.
Dara Calleary, Jim O’Callaghan and Darragh O’Brien have all declared their loyalty to Micheál Martin, who had been facing internal party pressure following the Government’s management of the response to the fuel protests, reports RTE.
There were signs of discontent after a statement on Wednesday from the party’s three youngest TDs, in which they said senior colleagues expect them to simply explain away the Government’s difficulties amid growing concern over recent events.
James O’Connor, Ryan O’Meara and Albert Dolan made clear that this was not a role they were willing to accept any longer, reports RTE.
Instead, they called on party colleagues to listen more attentively, speak more candidly and act more decisively.
The statement received backing from senior TDs including Willie O’Dea and former ceann comhairle Seán Ó FearghaÃl, reports RTE.
However, the Minister for Social Protection has since declared his support for the Fianna Fáil leader.
“I have confidence in the Taoiseach, I have confidence in the Government and I have confidence in the Irish people,” Dara Calleary said in a statement, reports RTE.
“What we need now, in the face of extraordinary global uncertainty, is stability and a continued focus on the challenges facing people across the country,” he added.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan confirmed that he “backs the Taoiseach and would not support a motion of no confidence in him,” reports RTE.
It follows the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment pledging his support for Mr Martin the previous evening.
“He’s the most popular leader in the country and has displayed incredible leadership qualities,” Darragh O’Brien told Prime Time, reports RTE.
“It’s a difficult time in Ireland and across the world, and that’s when strong leadership is needed.”
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien stated that he has “100% confidence” in Micheál Martin as Fianna Fáil leader, reports RTE.
“He’s the most popular leader in the country and has displayed incredible leadership qualities,” he said on RTÉ’s Prime Time.
“It’s a difficult time in Ireland and across the world, and that’s when strong leadership is needed.”
Asked whether he was putting his own name forward to be the next leader, the minister said “not at all,” reports RTE.
Minister for Children Norma Foley also voiced her support for Mr Martin’s leadership.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Drivetime, Ms Foley rejected the suggestion that Fianna Fáil is currently divided over the handling of the fuel protests and maintained that Mr Martin’s leadership remains intact, reports RTE.
Ms Foley said the Taoiseach had “consistently provided strong, secure and stable leadership, particularly in times of crisis.”
She said he has shown “no shortage” of such qualities and “there won’t be any shortage of that [from him] into the future either,” reports RTE.
Ms Foley added she “absolutely” believes Mr Martin’s position is “secure,” though she acknowledged the party should take “time out to discuss and reflect,” with such a discussion set to take place at a parliamentary party meeting next week.
Meanwhile, Minister for Public Expenditure and Fianna Fáil deputy leader Jack Chambers said yesterday that there remains “widespread support for Micheál Martin as leader and as Taoiseach of our country,” reports RTE.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
