It’s emerged that divisions within Fianna Fail over its future exist now not only within the party but also between its two TDs in the north west.
Sligo/Leitrim’s Marc MacSharry has, for some time now, been loudly calling for the replacement of Micheal Martin as party leader.
However, his colleague in Donegal, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue says it’s time for a minority of the Taoiseach’s critics to ‘cop on.’
Media reports today say Deputy MacSharry is actively seeking TDs to sign a motion of no confidence in Micheál Martin.
A minimum of 10 names is required to spark a revolt.
Deputy MacSharry is adamant it’s time for Mr Martin to go.
However, Fianna Fáil TD Jim O’Callaghan’s decision not sign a motion of no confidence is understood to have angered Deputy MacSharry.
MacSharry had previously voiced his support for the Dublin Bay South TD.
Deputy O’Callaghan had been touted as a possible successor to Mr Martin but that is now a matter of debate following Fianna Fail’s disastrous performance in the recent Dublin Bay South bye-election, where O’Callaghan was director of elections for the party.
The divisions now in Fianna Fail — both at grass roots and national level — can be seen in the stances being adopted by its two TDs in the north west.
If Deputy MacSharry wants to see the back of Michael Martin, Donegal TD and Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue feels current divisions are a distraction from the important work of government.
Minister McConalogue has expressed confidence in Mr Martin and has strongly hit out against critics of the Taoiseach.
He says it’s ‘a small minority in the party copped on and got with the programme.’
He added that that minority is more interested in navel-gazing than getting on with supporting the very hard and genuine work Fianna Fail is doing in government.
Meanwhile, it’s understood a group of like-minded Fianna Fáil TDs are discussing party strategy with a view to growing their public support after a series of poor showings in opinion polls.
The group of backbenchers are not plotting a leadership heave at the moment but are exploring how to revive the party.
As for Mr Martin himself, he says he will work with rebel TDs to ease tensions.
However, another tense — if not stormy — meeting of the parliamentary party is expected to take place tomorrow.
And former minister for Agriculture Barry Cowen is expected to seek a separate meeting where members can discuss the fallout from the recent by-election in Dublin, where the party received less than 5pc of the vote.
Meanwhile, some observers — even members and supporters – are of the opinion that, as things stand, Fianna Fail is en-route to self-destruction, something our reporter John Lynch put to former Sligo/Leitrim TD, senator and councillor Eamon Scanlon.
Deputy Scanlon predicts Micheal Martin will serve out his term as Taoiseach.
But, after that, he says, it will be ‘open season.’
