“If we don’t think he’s going to lead us into the next general election, what steps should we take to ensure that the party is in the best shape to face the electorate in 2025?”
Another Fianna Fáil TD has expressed doubt in Micheál Martin’s claims to continue to lead the party until 2025, saying he doesn’t believe the Taoiseach will still be leader for the next general election.
John Lahart shared his belief that Martin wouldn’t remain in charge on Newstalk Breakfast on Monday morning (18 July).
The Dublin South-West TD had said before that he did not support the programme for Government, and is now among a group of party members who are looking to review the deal made in 2020.
“I think everyone would agree, that if it’s to be relevant that it should be a living document with the opportunity to breathe new life into it,” Lahart said.
Lahart cited the mica scandal as a potential concern, and protection for childcare funding as a priority.
When asked if he would support the Taoiseach leading the party into the next general election, Lahart had choice words surrounding Martin’s candidacy.
“The Taoiseach has said he’s going to lead the party into the next election, and I understand why he said that.
“If you look at Enda Kenny, he announced he would cease to be Taoiseach a couple of months ahead of time, and literally within an hour, his power as Taoiseach began to evaporate and speculation began as to who was going to replace him.
“I don’t believe he (Martin) is going to lead us into the next election. It’s not beyond the man actually, he’s done it before, where he’s walked into the Dáil and made a dramatic statement.”
Lahart spoke about the party’s disappointment at only making 38 seats in the last General Election after expecting to be elected with 55.
“I don’t think it’s a negative thing, after 11 years as leader of the party, for people to seek to have a conversation particularly as the transition focuses minds.
“If we don’t think he’s going to lead us into the next general election, what steps should we take to ensure that the party is in the best shape to face the electorate in 2025?”
Lahart’s comments come after John McGuinness, a fellow Fianna Fáil TD, shared his belief that Micheál Martin should resign as party leader when Leo Varadkar is brought in as Taoiseach at the end of the year.
Speaking on On the Record with Gavan Reilly on Newstalk, McGuinness said that it was “natural timing” that Martin should go at the end of his current term.
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