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WE ALL KNOW the old adage, a week is a long time in politics.
Well, for Micheál Martin the next week is crucial.
As his parliamentary party continue to come to terms with Monday night’s shock announcement of Jim Gavin’s withdrawal from the presidential race, some will undoubtedly be thinking ahead to their next move.
In recent times, many a Fianna Fáiler has privately grumbled about Micheál Martin’s leadership style, but few have been willing to publicly face-off against their leader (Notable mention to Niall Blaney though and his public row with Martin during last year’s EU election).
If any were inclined towards a heave, there may never be an opportunity quite like this week again. TDs have said there is “blood in the air” in the aftermath of the controversy.
So what next in the Fianna Fáil melodrama?
The party’s TDs, MEPs and senators will meet on Wednesday evening for its usually weekly parliamentary party meeting in Leinster House. And by all accounts, it is expected to be box office.
Members of the parliamentary party have already been privately voicing their annoyance at the fact last week’s meeting, the final meeting before the Budget, was ditched and replaced with a canvass for Jim Gavin.
And given that many in the party have not shied away from radio interviews yesterday, it is expected that it is now or never for some to speak up and air their views.
Martin’s leadership style of keeping his cards close to his chest and ruling the roost has long been an issue for many within the party, particularly the grassroots.
Yesterday, the Taoiseach rejected claims made by a Fianna Fáil councillor that he runs the party like a “dictator”.
However, one outcome from yesterday is a conversation about how he leads the party and how Fianna Fáil ended up in this mess.
Billy Kelleher, an MEP who unsuccessfully fought Gavin for the party nomination, said Fianna Fáil did not do “due diligence” in selecting the candidate.
Asked if Martin’s leadership was badly damaged, Kelleher said: “I think what we really have to do initially is just to assess the process, how it went so horribly wrong, so quickly.”
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said there should be an “urgent review” of the candidate selection process while Children’s Minister Norma Foley said there was “enormous disappointment” within the party.
Higher Education Minister James Lawless said it was a “dark day for the party” and said questions would be asked of party leadership.
Meanwhile, former Fianna Fáil deputy leader Eamon O Cúiv agreed with the assessment of fellow party stalwart Mary Hanafin, who also sought a nomination, that the saga had been a “complete shambles”.
Martin said he was “very open” to a “comprehensive” review, adding:
“I’ll consult with the parliamentary party fully in reviewing all of this.”
At the meeting, Martin will try and calm any revolt, but he will be walking on a knife-edge to see his way through.
Closely following the meeting is the party’s annual Cairde Fáil fundraising dinner on Saturday night, where around 1,000 grassroots party members, councillors and parliamentary party members will gather in a Dublin hotel.
Many undoubtedly have their noses out of joint over how Fianna Fáil’s disastrous presidential campaign has played out and will be eager to get together in a room to do the post mortem.
While last year, there were comments in the crowd on how lengthy the party leader’s speech was, with many getting uncomfortable in their seats and itching to get to the bar, this year, the members will no doubt be all ears.
It will be Martin’s second opportunity in a week to set out his stall and convince his party that he has more fuel in the engine to lead the party and his judgement is sound.
As one TD told The Journal, “I was hoping to get out of it this year, but now it is an event not to be missed”.
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