Micheál Martin, the Taoiseach of Ireland and leader of Fianna Fáil for 14 years, is under increasing pressure from senior party members to address the future of his leadership. This comes in the wake of a tumultuous presidential election campaign that saw the party’s candidate, Jim Gavin, withdraw due to controversy over overpaid rent by a tenant. Despite Gavin’s withdrawal, his name remained on the ballot, and the party’s leadership faced criticism for backing him over other potential candidates, including European Parliament member Billy Kelleher. The election ultimately resulted in a landslide victory for independent candidate Catherine Connolly, further exacerbating internal party tensions. Senior Fianna Fáil backbenchers, including TD John McGuinness, have called for a leadership discussion, citing “serious errors” in the campaign. However, TD Darragh O’Brien maintains that the “vast majority” of parliamentary party members still support Martin. The party has decided to postpone leadership talks until a review of the presidential campaign concludes in two weeks. Martin’s position has been significantly weakened by his staunch support for Gavin, and while some believe his time as leader is numbered, others speculate that a leadership change may not occur until after Ireland’s EU Council presidency ends in December 2026. This would also mean Martin would not assume the role of tánaiste in 2027, as per the coalition agreement with Fine Gael.