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Investigates Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates Daft.ie Property Allianz Home The 42 Sport TG4 Entertainment The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories Carlow-Kilkenny TD John McGuinness and Senator Anne Rabbitte both criticised Micheál Martin over the weekend.Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie Micheál Martin 'Frustration' among Fianna Fáil backbenchers as rebels eye up no confidence motion in Taoiseach Several Fianna Fáil politicians expressed dissatisfaction with their leader over the weekend. 9.00am, 28 Oct 2025 Share options THERE IS “FRUSTRATION” among Fianna Fáil backbenchers on foot of the party’s disastrous presidential election campaign, as well as with a “slow pace of delivery” on national issues, TD Malcolm Byrne said this morning. Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, the Wicklow-Wexford TD said he doesn’t believe Micheál Martin will be ejected as leader in the short term. Byrne’s comments follow a long weekend of speculation and defence of the Taoiseach’s position from senior party members. Carlow-Kilkenny TD John McGuinness and Senator Anne Rabbitte both criticised the party leader over the weekend. Speaking on RTÉ’s This Week programme on Sunday, McGuinness said Fianna Fáil needs a new leader “in the not too distant future”. TD John Lahart joined McGuinness in criticising Martin for his handling of the presidential election, while MEP Billy Kelleher, who missed out on the party’s nomination after an internal contest against the Taoiseach and Public Expenditure Minister’s choice Jim Gavin, called the situation “disastrous”. While both McGuinness and Lahart are no strangers to taking swipes at their leader, ten of the required twelve signatures of members of the parliamentary party that would cause a motion of no confidence in Martin have been secured. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien yesterday dismissed this. He said that despite a “difficult” few weeks the “vast majority” of the parliamentary party are throughly behind Martin. Advertisement Malcolm Byrne said this morning: “Micheál Martin is an experienced politician. I think he’d have a reasonable idea himself as to when that time may be to go.” He continued: “I think there are two issues and challenges for the party. I think the first one is the disastrous presidential election campaign that we had. “I think there’s a bigger challenge, and I suppose I’m reflecting what I would see is the frustration of the middle ground within the party, around that sense of disconnect between the leadership and a lot of the back benches. “I think the real challenge is the frustration that we’re feeling around the slow pace of delivery on issues like housing and infrastructure and Disability Services.” Byrne said he is meeting the Taoiseach today and is confident he will listen to the concerns of backbenchers. Byrne emphasised that he believes Martin is a capable leader who can “win back the support of back benchers in the party”. There is an internal review ongoing into the party’s handling of the selection process. The results are expected in two weeks’ time. Despite fighting words, the wind may have gone from the sails of any would-be rebels. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan would be viewed as the most likely contender to replace Martin as leader, but he has yet to speak out. Deputy leader Jack Chambers was also silent over the weekend. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Emma Hickey View 66 comments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “'Frustration' among Fianna Fáil backbenchers as rebels eye up no confidence motion in Taoiseach”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “'Frustration' among Fianna Fáil backbenchers as rebels eye up no confidence motion in Taoiseach”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. 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