EU COMMISSIONER MICHAEL McGrath has backed Taoiseach Micheál Martin to continue as the leader of Fianna Fáil, saying his experience would be an asset when Ireland assumes the presidency of the European Union next year. 

Martin’s leadership has been called into question since Fianna Fáil’s disastrous presidential campaign, during which the party’s candidate, former GAA manager Jim Gavin, withdrew after it emerged he owed a former tenant money for years. 

A review of the process that led to Gavin’s selection has also been delayed, which has meant the frustrations within the party have rumbled on.

McGrath, a former Fianna Fáil TD who is now he EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, said today that Martin’s experience in dealing with member states and European institutions would serve Ireland well.

“I think anybody who underestimates the Micheál Martin will do so at their peril,” McGrath said.

“I have seen up close his resilience in practice on many occasions for Ireland, the incoming EU presidency is an excellent opportunity to showcase the country, its capability, the leadership, leadership that it can provide in public policy making, and it’s opportunity to set the agenda at an EU level.

“So the Presidency of the Council of the European Union is tremendous opportunity. And I think the experience that Micheál has over a number of decades at a senior level in politics will be of great benefit to the Irish presidency.”

While stressing that he is no longer a member of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, McGrath said it was his understanding that the review into the presidential campaign “is nearing completion and will be brought to the parliamentary party in the first instance, as soon as it is completed”.

“It’s always a good idea to look back when something goes wrong and try to understand the full circumstances and the context and to learn lessons for the future. And I’ve no doubt that that will be done, and look forward to seeing the outcome of that.”