Micheal is a political corpse... party must save itself

MICHEAL Martin has sensationally been labelled a “political corpse” who must be removed as Fianna Fail leader in 2021 – for the party’s own survival.

- JASON O’TOOLE

Former government minister Conor Lenihan fears the party’s slide in the polls could see them wiped out in the next election without an “urgent change in leadership”.

Mr. Martin is scheduled to remain on as leader of the coalition until Leo Varadkar returns under the rotating Taoiseach agreement at mid-term in December 2022.

But in a move that will set alarm bells ringing in his camp, Mr. Lenihan – whose late father Brian Snr, late brother Brian Jnr and aunt Mary O’Rourke were all deputy leaders of Fianna Fail – claims the party rank and file agree with him.

He told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “Martin hasn’t made an impact since becoming Taoiseach.

“I don’t believe he can stay on beyond the midterm change over with Fine Gael.

“I urgently believe they need to resolve the leadership position well in advance of that happening – sometime in 2021.

ELECTION

“It’s hard to push someone on the public who lost an election as leader of the Opposition in such a spectacular fashion.

“Without personalizing it, it’s inevitable once you set a limit to your tenure as Taoiseach that you are as (Shane) Ross described Enda Kenny in 2016 a ‘political corpse’.

“The same would apply here – once there’s a time limit set to your potential to lead in the office you’re on a decline. It’s a fait accompli.

“Whether he gives a timeframe or not, it’s important the party itself puts a limit on his period as Taoiseach and party leader.

“I speak frequently to colleagues in Leinster House and I would say there’s a majority in the parliamentary party who want this matter addressed.