A Clare Fianna Fáil councillor is calling on Micheál Martin to resign as leader of the party.
It follows a meeting last night, during which the Taoiseach apologised to members for his handling of the presidential election campaign.
The emergency meeting was called following Jim Gavin’s exit from the race for the Áras, after it came to light that he owes a former tenant €3,300 in overpaid rent.
According to various sources present at the gathering, the Taoiseach was visibly emotional as he acknowledged the level of upset and disappointment currently being felt by party members.
In advance of the occasion, several high-profile Fianna Fáil representatives had spoken out about Micheál Martin’s role in the selection of the former Dublin football manager as the party’s nominee.
Cork TD James O’Connor said Gavin ended up on the ballot paper due to “extensive pressure” put on members by Micheál Martin and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers.
Former minister Éamon Ó Cuiv said “there needs to be a fundamental change in how the party is operating”, while Galway Councillor Michael Regan labelled the leader a “dictator”.
Those in attendance last night agreed to establish a committee to review how the election campaign was handelled, with Martin having no involvement in choosing who sits on it.
Sixmilebridge Fianna Fáíl Councillor Alan O’Callaghan believes he should step aside due to the “farcical” nature of the campaign.
While no member at the meeting directly called for the Taoiseach to step down, it’s understood former Ceann Comhairle Séan Ó Fearghail emphasised the importance of fully reforming the party operations by the start of 2027.
Doonbeg Councillor Rita McInerney hopes the review is “swift” and while she claims Micheál Martin is a “safe pair of hands” for now, she believes a succession plan must be developed.
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