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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 Housing minister Darragh O'Brien speaking to the media at the Churchfields housing development in Mulhuddart, Dublin.Alamy Stock Photo Micheál Martin 'Vast majority' of Fianna Fáil TDs and senators support the Taoiseach, O'Brien says Carlow-Kilkenny TD John McGuinness and Fianna Fáil Senator Anne Rabbitte both criticised the party leader over the weekend. 10.48am, 27 Oct 2025 Share options MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT Darragh O’Brien has reaffirmed Fianna Fáil’s faith in leader Micheál Martin after party members questioned the future leadership of the party over the weekend. Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland today, O’Brien said that the “vast majority” of Senators and TD’s in Fianna Fáil support the Taoiseach, despite a “difficult” few weeks. Carlow-Kilkenny TD John McGuinness and Fianna Fáil Senator Anne Rabbitte both criticised the party leader over the weekend. Speaking on RTÉ’s This Week programme yesterday McGuinness said Fianna Fáil needs a new leader “in the not too distant future”. When it was put to O’Brien today that ten of the 12 required signatures for a no confidence motion in Martin have been secured, he reaffirmed parliamentary party member’s support of him. Advertisement “We have 48 TDs, we have over 20 senators in the parliamentary party as well. The vast majority of them support Micheál Martin as leader unquestionably,” he said. The Minister for Transport acknowledged disappointment in the party over Jim Gavin’s failed presidential run and said he agreed with McGuinness that the previous weeks were difficult for the party. “The last few weeks have certainly been difficult. Our parliamentary party met just over two weeks ago and we had a full discussion with the party leader and colleagues about what happened and there was a lot of disappointment,” he said. “The Presidential Election did not work out for us. Learnings need to be made and will be made from that”. He said this is why the review of the party’s Presidential Campaign is going ahead, but described Martin as an “exceptional leader”. “If you look at the 14 years that Micheál Martin has led Fianna Fáil, he’s brought the party back, literally, from the brink, back to being the largest party in Government,” he said. “He has shown great leadership over the course of that, in relation to referenda that we’ve had in relation to same-sex marriage, in relation to women’s reproductive rights and Repeal the 8th.” 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 Sophie Finn View 43 comments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “'Vast majority' of Fianna Fáil TDs and senators support the Taoiseach, O'Brien says”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “'Vast majority' of Fianna Fáil TDs and senators support the Taoiseach, O'Brien says”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. 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