Copyright irishmirror
Taoiseach Micheál Martin insists his Cabinet ministers are “very supportive” of him as there’s frustration in the party following its shambolic presidential campaign. A group of 10 backbench TDs wanted to move forward with a motion of no-confidence in Mr Martin, with two more members of the parliamentary party needed to trigger a motion. However, it’s understood they will be awaiting the completion of a review into how the party chooses its presidential candidate . Ciaran O’Loughlin SC is chairing the review panel alongside Fianna Fáil TDs Tom Brabazon and Eamon Scanlon and Senator Margaret Murphy. TDs and senators were asked by email earlier this week to make submissions for the review. Speaking in Cork on Friday, the Taoiseach reiterated that he plans to lead the party into the next general election, which will take place in four years. This is despite several backbenchers saying while the leader would likely survive a motion of no-confidence, he will be pushed out when Ireland finishes the EU Presidency late next year. The Taoiseach said: “People are entitled to voice their opinions. They are entitled to be critical. We do, for the health of the party, need to robustly examine where we went wrong. “I received a mandate at the last general election as leader of FF. That was only 12 months ago. I received a mandate from Dáil Éireann nine months ago in January when we formed this Government. "I think there is an obligation on all of us to concentrate on the issues that affect people's daily lives. I don't think they will be that impressed with a party that is becoming obsessed with its own internal situation.” Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has been touted as the man to take over as leader, after saying a couple of weeks ago it is his ambition. But Mr Martin said the minister has been “very supportive” of him as his leadership has been thrown into question, saying: “We just had a meeting before Cabinet last week.” For more of the latest breaking news from the Irish Mirror check out our homepage by clicking here
