Mr Martin and deputy leader Jack Chambers had heavily backed Mr Gavin, but he withdrew three weeks before the vote after it emerged he owed €3,300 to a former tenant in overpaid rent. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has been damaged by Fianna Fáil's disastrous presidential campaign. Mr O'Callaghan has a high profile and his tightening of immigration laws means he is never far from the news. Behind the scenes, some feel Mr Martin may agree to step down after Ireland's EU presidency ends. Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 1st to December 31st, 2026.

Source: The Herald December 30, 2025 15:53 UTC