Taoiseach Micheál Martin has secured the backing of senior Cabinet colleagues, with ministers saying they “back the Taoiseach” and would not support any motion of no confidence.
Today Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary and Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan both pledged support for the Fianna Fáil leader amid internal party pressure following the government’s handling of recent fuel protests.
Calleary expressed confidence in the Taoiseach and called for stability in the current climate.
“I have confidence in the Taoiseach,” Calleary said.
“I have confidence in the Government and I have confidence in the Irish people.
“What we need now, in the face of extraordinary global uncertainty, is stability and a continued focus on the challenges facing people across the country.”
Meanwhile, according to RTÉ, O’Callaghan also backed Martin and ruled out supporting any move against him.
“[He] backs the Taoiseach,” a spokesperson said.
“[He] would not support a motion of no confidence in him.”
The statements follow comments from Climate Minister Darragh O’Brien, who also expressed support for the Taoiseach during an appearance on RTÉ’s Prime Time last night.
O’Brien described Martin as the “most popular leader in the country” and pointed to his leadership during a difficult period.
“He’s the most popular leader in the country and has displayed incredible leadership qualities,” O’Brien said.
“It’s a difficult time in Ireland and across the world, and that’s when strong leadership is needed.”
The public backing from senior ministers comes amid divisions within Fianna Fáil following last week’s fuel protests and blockades over rising energy costs.
Several party figures have raised concerns about the government’s response to the protests, with some calling for reflection on leadership and party direction.
Fianna Fáil Senator Joe Flaherty said the protests reflected wider frustration among the public and called on the Taoiseach to apologise.
“The fuel protests didn’t come out of nowhere,” he said.
“They’re the result of a government that lost touch with people since last October’s budget.”
“We ignored the hurt and frustration. Now we need urgent cost-of-living supports for working Ireland – and an apology from the Taoiseach down.”
Three of Fianna Fáil’s youngest TDs also warned that public trust in politics is under strain, describing the situation as a growing disconnect between voters and government.
“We must face the reality that the social contract is strained to breaking point,” they said.
“Too many of our peers see no connection between what happens at the ballot box and what follows in government. This disconnect threatens public faith in politics and our democracy.”
Other senior figures have called for an internal meeting to address the party’s position, while some have raised concerns about communication and decision-making structures within Fianna Fáil.
The protests, which involved blockades in parts of the country, were driven by concerns over energy costs, with demonstrators calling for further government support. The government has said that disruption to essential services is unacceptable while also outlining measures aimed at addressing cost-of-living pressures.