FF TD: 'Very small' number of TD's calling for Mícheál Martin to go

This episode of Morning Ireland examines the recent internal turmoil within Fianna Fáil following a wave of dissent from backbench TDs over Taoiseach Micheál Martin's leadership. Despite a reported attempt by some members to challenge Martin’s position, the movement appears to have stalled, with key figures like Dara Cleary and Jim O'Callaghan publicly affirming their support. Paul McAuliffe, Fianna Fáil TD and party whip, defends Martin’s leadership, emphasizing the government’s focus on balancing economic pressures amid global instability, particularly around energy and food costs. He argues that while concerns were raised, the response was not a leadership crisis but a reflection of the challenges of governing during turbulent times. McAuliffe stresses that most TDs remained focused on constituency work and delivering for their communities, dismissing the idea of a coordinated leadership challenge. He also highlights Martin’s track record of delivering on local projects and maintaining stability, especially in the face of international uncertainty, and asserts that now is not the time for change.