Could Micheál Martin be the next leader in these islands to get his hands on his cards as party leader?
While traveling through devastated housing blocks in Kiev, the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party met emphatically without him.
The regular meeting had been canceled in the leader’s absence, but a few disgruntled ones said they would be in the banquet halls anyway to exchange views.
As many as 30 TDs and Senators showed up. The leader was immediately complained about, with many concluding that he is simply not focused on the party’s chances in the next election.
The Taoiseach has been party leader for over 11 years – politically an eternity. He was a minister in the last century. He pledged yesterday to contest the next election as leader, but most believe it would be decent to step down in five months when Leo Varadkar takes over as head of government. In the meantime, his upcoming week-long trip to Japan and Singapore looks like some sort of swan song.
So, even as the Tories gear up for their sweepstakes, who’s in the Fianna Fáil parade? Here’s the early bet.
Michael McGrath
Micheál Martin’s running mate in Cork South Central is said to be the continuity candidate and has been featured on Leaders’ Questions. There is no doubt that he is competent and articulate, but he has rarely shown fire in his belly. Charisma wonders, but if he can find some unique selling points, he must lose.
Odds: Evens favorite
Darragh O’Brien
The man Sinn Féin fears. Feisty and combative, O’Brien brings much of the no-nonsense Northside Dub to his command. Elections are increasingly being won in the cities, and the capital in particular. Probably a dark horse to many, the omens are favorable for the Fingal flag bearer.
Odds: 3/1
Dara Calleary
Popular in all ranks of the party, he was not at the inauguration this week. Immediately resigned as Secretary of Agriculture over Golfgate, even though he only gave a speech and left. Has
he’d been late with a spell on the cabinet table, but his inexperience here could weigh against him, along with his rural roots.
Odds: 4/1
Jim O’Callaghan
One of those who keeps his powder dry, as if he was born to rule. Perhaps too ‘fancy’ for many of the common people, and seems consumed with loftier things. The senior prosecutor is currently talking direly about a referendum on the Special Criminal Court – hardly a priority.
Odds: 5/1
Mary Butler
The Waterford TD has impressed since she became Secretary of State at the Department of Health, where she has often outranked her boss, Stephen Donnelly, who is not even under starter orders. A tough cookie and former retail manager who always asks the tough questions.
Odds: 6/1
Barry Cowen
The Brudder. Under a Napoleonic code, he would have had a good chance of preference, but the ‘political turnaround’ would have brought too much reality.
The last name is more of a hindrance than a help these days, but it doesn’t lack ambition and moxie. His mouth can sometimes run away with him.
Odds: 10/1
bubbling under
Eamon Cuiv: Although he was second to Micheál Martin last time, he is too old at 72.
Lisa Rooms: One to keep an eye on in the future, the Mayo attorney is currently trapped in the Seanad, a fatal circumstance.
Anne Rabbit: Almost her time, but the Minister for the Disabled could use a little more profile. Was a skilled Fianna Fáil negotiator in government-building talks.