Odds slashed on Jim O'Callaghan to be next Fianna Fáil leader amid pressure on Taoiseach
James Cox
Bookies have slashed odds on Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan being the next Fianna Fáil leader amid pressure on Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Ladbrokes have made Mr O’Callaghan odds-on to be the next leader of Fianna Fáil.
Since a bruising presidential election campaign that saw Fianna Fáil candidate Jim Gavin flounder and eventually attempt to pull out of the race, the leadership of the party has been up for debate.
The latest rumour swirling around Leinster House is that Jim O’Callaghan will be the one to step up to the plate as the next leader of Fianna Fáil. He is odds-on at 1/6 to take the helm of the government party.
Other senior figures in the party including Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien (4/1), Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary (8/1) and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers (8/1).
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “Change is afoot for Fianna Fáil. The presidential election didn’t go to plan and a change at the top may revitalise the party and give them a new zest.”
While Taoiseach Micheál Martin insists his leadership is safe, cracks are beginning to form in the party and sources have indicated TDs are openly questioning his leadership following Jim Gavin's disastrous presidential campaign.
Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne recently said the Taoiseach lacks urgency and expressed doubt over whether Mr Martin would lead Fianna Fáil into the next election.
Writing in The Irish Times, Mr Byrne added: "We have an amazing country with incredibly talented people. We have a strong economy that should not be taken for granted. But, as a State, we are not being ambitious enough to achieve the transformations necessary for our citizens and our communities. As the largest political party and being in Government, we have to take responsibility for that.
"The anger at the slow pace of delivery are leading voters to the easy slogans of the hard left or the far right or to giving up on the 'system'. Fianna Fáil needs to show once again that as the party of the political centre, we can be radical and we can get things done.
"This is about much more than one individual but the Taoiseach needs to be front and centre in addressing this challenge. The presidential election debacle will soon fade into a historical footnote, but not delivering urgently on matters that really impact on people’s lives will not."
Meanwhile, MEP Billy Kelleher, who lost out to Mr Gavin after Mr Martin's strong backing of the former Dublin football manager, has been very critical of the Taoiseach.
Speaking at the Éamon de Valera commemoration in Co Clare, Mr Kelleher said Fianna Fáil had to do more to re-connect with young people.
“As a party, we need to invest in young people, invest in engaging with them, be willing to admit we are wrong. As a parent, I know how hard this is, but it is essential,” Mr Kelleher said.
He said Fianna Fáil is facing a “demographic cliff edge”.
“We need to be ready to rip up the rule book when it comes to housing construction.
"Our people are demanding it, our business leaders and investors are demanding it, so why are we so slow to go nuclear when it comes to home building?”
Mr Kelleher also accused party leadership of letting Sinn Féin take the lead on the issue of Irish unity.
“Failing to prepare for a United Ireland, and having the answers to the legitimate questions of people, north and south, will stymy our chances of winning a border poll.
“If the objective is to win a border poll, then we need to put out best foot forward, and to my mind, that is not allowing Sinn Féin lead the campaign for unity."
The comments are likely to put further pressure on Mr Martin.
Next Permanent Leader of Fianna Fáil
- Jim O’Callaghan – 1/6
- Darragh O’Brien – 4/1
- Dara Calleary – 8/1
- Jack Chambers – 8/1
- Bar – 16/1
